We know how easy it can be to reach for fast, unhealthy foods when you’re at work or pressed for time. When you have a deadline and the nearest food is in the vending machine, it can be tempting to justify a quick fix, but we always pay for it eventually with a mid-day crash. Eating healthy is something we all know we should do, yet changing our diets over night is unrealistic and likely unsustainable. So, instead of trying to be a health food master over night, try to make small changes progressively.
Eat Breakfast
Yes, everyone says this and that’s because it’s so important! Many of us skip breakfast and this puts our metabolism in a tail spin for the rest of the day. Even if you don’t like eating in the morning, at least snack on some effortless foods like trail mix, sliced apples or berries to keep your blood sugar level. You’ll find you have more energy AND you’ll eat less when lunch rolls around.
Counter Coffee dehydration with water
Yes, we love our coffee, too! However, we always drink it in conjunction with plenty of water. Coffee has many health benefits; it’s antioxidant rich, fends off depression, and studies have shown it keeps the brain healthier longer and decreases the risk of Parkinsons by 40% and Alzheimers by 20%. On the flip side, too much of it can be dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water with your coffee.
Bring Your Lunch To Work
Instead of ordering fast food delivery or reaching for junk food at your desk, bring your own lunch to work. This not only saves you time, but it’s healthier and more convenient. Plus, unlike takeout, you know exactly what you’re putting into your body. If you’re short on time or don’t want to prepare your own meals, try a healthy frozen option, like Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers. Healthy Choice is the only major frozen food brand that is approved by the FDA to call 100% of its products “healthy” so you know you’re getting natural, nutritious food.
All Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers contain a balance of nutrients and vegetables with 100% natural proteins and zero artificial ingredients. They also feature an in-tray steam cooking method that separates the ingredients, so you get fresher taste, crisper vegetables, and the option to pour your own sauce and determine how much flavor you want with your meal. With over a dozen meals to choose from, all with less than 310 calories and more than 18 grams of 100-percent natural protein, you’ll have plenty of variety throughout the week.
A few of the varieties include Chicken Fried Rice, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo, Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry and Grilled Pesto & Vegetables. Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers are a great way to get a healthy meal conveniently, and perfect when you’re pressed for time, and are unable to prepare your own healthy meal.
Cut out soda and sugary drinks
If you’re struggling with weight gain or low energy, sugary drinks could be the culprit. Try replacing soda with coconut water and cold pressed no-sugar-added juices. In addition to be loaded with artificial ingredients and sugar, soda is very acidic and hard on the digestive tract.
Snack on raw cacao and goji berries
Ditch candy and snack on raw cacao and goji berries. Cacao will satisfy your chocolate craving while goji berries provide a delicious, healthy dose of fruit and anti-oxidants
Opt for fish instead of red meat
We know people love their burgers, but if you can make an effort to switch out red meat/pork for omega-rich fish a few times a week, you’ll shave off hundreds of calories while providing your body with the vital protein it needs. Go for wild caught salmon, cod, and tuna. And if you love your burgers, try a tuna burger instead of a hamburger. They’re delicious!
Replace white breads with whole grains
We love carbs too and we don’t plan on ever giving them up, so we replace white bread with whole grain bread as often as we can. White breads are made with refined flour which is processed with gluten, sugar, and other unhealthy additives that have little health benefits. Go for whole grains instead.
Cook/Bake with Coconut Oil
Instead of processed vegetable oils and trans fatty margarines, opt for coconut oil. It can be used at high temperatures, adds healthy fat to your diet, and fends off viruses and bacteria. Coconut oil has a multitude of health benefits and uses. It’s one oil you should always keep on hand!
Ditch artificial sweeteners
Studies have shown artificial sweeteners such as aspartame cause cancer, tumors, indigestion, bladder enlargement and a whole host of health problems. Instead use honey, date sugar, molasses or Stevia for sweetening.
Juice for Greens
Green veggies are not very flavorful or attractive to most people on their own. Unless they’re doused in salt, garlic, oil and dressing, greens can be hard to put down. Unfortunately they are the most nutrient rich foods we can consume. So for those of us who don’t love eating greens raw, juicing is the next best option. All it takes is an apple and/or orange to turn green veggies into a delicious drink. You can either juice at home or find a local juice shop that makes it fresh or bottled. However, be sure if you buy it bottled that it’s cold pressed.
We hope you enjoyed these tips! What healthy eating tips do you live by? Feel free to comment below.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
