It's no secret that eating healthier foods is something we all should strive for, but it's so much easier to grab something pre-packaged. The food industry's single serving sizes are easy to grab from the cupboard, but most contain preservatives and fillers that might not be the best choices, and they're usually more expensive too.
To combat that, instead of buying those higher priced items, take your cue from them and make healthier foods easier to grab when you're on the go.
Soon after I get home from the grocery store, I rinse my fresh broccoli and cauliflower, cut it up, and put in a large container to be ready for quick snacking. Doing it all at once takes only a few minutes, and having the fresh vegetables ready to go makes it easier later when I want something to munch on, but don't feel like fixing anything. A small bowl of veggies with a bit of ranch dressing beats calorie-laden junk food any day.
I do something similar with meat. My local IGA store has great-tasting ground beef, and I try to get there in the morning when I can usually find large packages from the day before at a greatly reduced price. I take each package and put it into a large bowl and season it, then form into individual patties and wrap in waxed paper or freezer paper, then place each wrapped patty into a bread bag to stow in the freezer. Taking out one patty at a time without having to defrost a large amount that might end up wasted is not only smart, but a money-saver too.
You can do this with all sorts of foods. I make oatmeal several times a week for breakfast, and cook it on the stove rather than paying much more for the individual packets (which usually have added ingredients). It only takes seconds for me to measure my dry oatmeal in the morning, but if you like the ease of individual packets, make your own! You could measure the amount of oatmeal for each serving into a plastic baggie, then add cinnamon and brown sugar or whatever other flavorings you like and you're ready to go; just add water and/or milk in a small saucepan, and breakfast will be ready in about 3 minutes. You could also store them in sandwich-type or other small containers rather than disposable bags (which would be my choice).
These are just a few examples of how to make it easier to make better food choices throughout your day. What other things do you do to make healthy eating easier?
~ Marie Anne
To combat that, instead of buying those higher priced items, take your cue from them and make healthier foods easier to grab when you're on the go.
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| Pre-cut veggies are great for a quick snack |
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| Individual hamburger patties are easier to manage and are less wasteful |
You can do this with all sorts of foods. I make oatmeal several times a week for breakfast, and cook it on the stove rather than paying much more for the individual packets (which usually have added ingredients). It only takes seconds for me to measure my dry oatmeal in the morning, but if you like the ease of individual packets, make your own! You could measure the amount of oatmeal for each serving into a plastic baggie, then add cinnamon and brown sugar or whatever other flavorings you like and you're ready to go; just add water and/or milk in a small saucepan, and breakfast will be ready in about 3 minutes. You could also store them in sandwich-type or other small containers rather than disposable bags (which would be my choice).
These are just a few examples of how to make it easier to make better food choices throughout your day. What other things do you do to make healthy eating easier?
~ Marie Anne
Somehow I feel healthier just reading this. I've just added wax paper to my shopping list. We don't usually use it so thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI do a lot things like that too. In my case I have a lot of people to feed, all with different nutritional requirements. Once, on a dare from my grandmother, I "shopped like normal people" for a week, and it cost me just over $800!! Compared to my normal $200/wk food budget. A little extra work can save a LOT of money, especially when you're concerned about eating right. I keep meaning to do the hamburger patty thing, but never get around to it. With the weather cooling down and my family wanting hot lunches I should get on it.
ReplyDeleteGreat article! Thanks!