Planning Ahead

Most people try to exercise on the same days of the week.  Maybe they pack a gym bag the night before and put it in their vehicle for an after work fitness class or workout.  Maybe they meet up with a friend to walk, jog or attend a weekly group fitness class together.  Maybe they pay for a fitness center membership six or twelve months out so they feel really committed to fitness and wellness.
But did you ever think about planning ahead to eat healthy?  Studies confirm that it is impossible to “out-exercise” a bad diet, so eating healthy foods, watching calories and portion sizes really do go hand in hand with a regular exercise regime.  Here are some easy ways to plan ahead to eat healthy during the week when you are busy with work, school, family and church commitments:

1. Go through your cupboards and write down what you are going to make each day so there is no guesswork when it comes to grocery shopping and meal planning.
2. Chop veggies and fruit ahead of time so you can cut down on prep time when you are cooking supper.
3. Make food ahead of time. Soups and casseroles can be made days in advance and then warmed up.
4. Don’t get too fancy. Pick one new recipe a week. Your family doesn’t require new recipes each day, just cook what they like.
   
5. Plan one day for leftovers because you know you will have them. Bake or grill enough chicken or cook an extra pound of turkey for tomorrow night’s supper.
   
6. Put your lunches in mason jars. Salads done this way work amazing, you can make them all on the weekend, and they will keep in the jar all week.
   
7. If you are really crunched for time, buy the bagged salads or pre-cut vegetables.
8. Keep single serving sized snack bags around so that you are never tempted to eat a whole bag of chips at one sitting!
9. Keep fruit out on the counter so you and your kids see it – grab an apple, a banana or grapes for a quick and healthy snack.
10. Try to slow down at meal times to enjoy the company of your family!