It is a busy life – we’re running to and from places we have to be, keeping commitments, taking care of our families and additionally, tending to life’s little and not-so-small surprises.  Through it all we have intentions to take better care of ourselves, maybe taking that desired walk, spending more quality time with the kids and for goodness sakes – eating better.  But weeks come and go, and we are feeling sluggish by the weekend.  We realize we have set the intention but never really activated it.  Perhaps worst of all, we succumbed to fast food or takeout 4 or 5 times this week.  Not to mention the quick lunches or skipping lunch altogether – the cycle continues; and we are in a battle for our lives.

Breaking the Cycle

One way we can break this perpetual state of eating on the run is by having our (own) meals planned, prepared and ready to go “to go” any day of the week.

3 Ways to a Health Diet

1. Keep a nicely appointed pantry.  What exactly does that mean?  It means you have all the fixings for preparing nutritious, tasty meals on the go.
   1. Olive, avocado, sesame oils & some good, Balsamic
   2. Dried herbs & spices
   3. Canned beans such as Northern, Kidney, Pinto and Black bean
   4. Rice (brown, Basmati and wild), quinoa & lentils
   5. Broth (buy organic broth or bone broth, not the high sodium flavor cubes.)
   6. Gluten free or brown pasta variations:  wheat, corn, quinoa
   7. Tomato paste
   8. Oatmeal
   9. Honey, agave
   10. Canned pure pumpkin, coconut milk

This list of ingredients can be mixed and matched to make quick meals in advance.  In some cases, just add protein and you’ll never eat the same meal twice!

2. Dedicate some weekend time to cooking!  Roast a few chickens, experiment with one-pot recipes like chili, soup, and lamb dishes.  Enjoy some with the family and then pack up the rest for lunches and leftovers throughout the week.
3. Keep some good protein in the freezer:  chicken, steak, lean ground beef or turkey.  Add a reminder to your phone or calendar to take something out of the freezer once or twice a week.  When you add it to your premade meals, add some new herbs and spices as you sau·téthese varieties.

A little planning goes a long way.  Meal preparation allows for you to eat your favorite meals while pre-determined portion sizes ensure you don’t overindulge. Having a collection of well-balanced meals on hand will help you regulate what you eat and stay on track with your personal nutrition goals.