jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Five quick shopping tips for a Busy Lifestyle

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Are you always rushing in the morning to get to work? Do you often eat quick and filling fast foods for lunch? By the end of the day, do you feel too tired to cook dinner and therefore resort to more fast food or other processed foods that you can easily heat up? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are one of the many people nowadays whose busy lifestyles stand in the way of their path to healthy eating.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Most busy people end up consuming unhealthy foods because they offer the most availability and convenience. When you're busy juggling work, family and errands, who has time to search for organic ingredients or check the nutritional content of every food you buy? However, having a hectic life should not prevent you from having a healthy diet. Here is a step-by-step plan to help you incorporate healthy eating into a busy lifestyle.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Tip 1 Shop for healthy foods and ingredients

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

If you are serious about eating healthier then one of the first things you need to do is make your grocery shopping healthier. No matter how determined you are to pursue healthy eating, it will be nearly impossible if everything you have in your refrigerator and pantry are sugary snacks and other junk foods. No matter how busy you are, take the time to sit down and prepare a shopping list. You will probably need to search for two to three quick and healthy recipes so you know what ingredients you need to buy. For instance, there are many healthy chicken recipes that you can now find online. These recipes vary in level of difficulty, ingredients and preparation time, so you will have no problem finding a recipe that fits your busy lifestyle.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

When shopping for food, your cart doesn't have to resemble a health food store. Feel free to include a treat or two in your purchases but make sure the majority of foods you buy are healthy.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Tip 2 Start the day right with a healthy breakfast.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

When you are rushing in the morning to get to work, taking the time to prepare a healthy breakfast becomes a feat that's not just difficult but downright impossible. However, instead of grabbing a sugar-filled doughnut, why not try a healthy on-the-go breakfast? These quick breakfasts take no more than five minutes to prepare. One good idea would be to cut up some fruit (apple, banana, melon or anything you might find in your kitchen) and then mix them with some slices of cheese and a handful of walnuts. This extremely simple meal will instantly provide you the vitamins, calcium, fiber and protein that you need to start your day off right.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

If you like a good old bowl of cereal in the morning then choose bran flakes instead of other commercial cereal brands that are loaded with sugar and artificial flavor. Bran flakes are rich in fiber which will not only improve your digestion but will keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. If you don't have the time to sit down and enjoy your breakfast, mix the bran flakes instead with some vanilla yogurt in a to-go cup. You may then enjoy your breakfast on the way to work.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Tip 3 Prepare a healthy lunch ahead of time.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Bringing a packed lunch to work will not only help you eat healthier but will also help you save money. Unfortunately, busy people like you barely have time to eat breakfast in the morning, much less prepare and pack a lunch! The solution? Prepare and pack your lunch the night before so you can easily grab it in the morning. Baked Chicken Breast is a dish that's typically quick and easy to prepare. You can also set some time aside in the weekend to bake some low-fat bread or muffin that you can pair with your lunch. Better yet, slice some raw vegetables and place them in a portable plastic bag that you can bring along with you.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Tip 4 Snack smart.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

When you have deadlines coming up and meetings with your boss and clients to worry about, it's easy to try and de-stress with a candy bar or a bag of potato chips. Needless to say, these snacks may taste delicious but will end up taking a toll on your health. To avoid snacking on unhealthy foods, keep a stash of healthier alternatives in your desk drawers. These snacks may include dried fruit and nuts, sugar-free granola bars or plain pretzels.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Tip 5 Stick to healthy choices on the menu when dining out.

jenny mccarthy July 2012 Plann

Eating out is a common practice among busy people who typically don't have the time to cook dinner at home. When dining in a restaurant, choose healthy items from the menu and stick to lower portions. One good idea would be to choose low-fat items, such as baked potato, BBQ Chicken, steamed fish and other healthier dishes.