Between meeting deadlines, after-work socialising, late nights, and early mornings, you can forget just how easy it is to lose control of your health. Your busy life often becomes an excuse when you skip meals or reach out for foods that you know are not good for you.
What if there is a way to be healthiest while being the busiest version of you? It isn’t as far-fetched as it seems to be. It is easier said than done, but the impact a few changes can have on your mind and body is worth it.
Like anything else in your life, healthy eating habits begin by making a conscious choice to change. How you approach food, your thoughts behind food and your emotional connection concerning eating will help facilitate your journey.
Habits take time, so to start you out, here are 5 healthy tips.
Diet Tips For People on The go
1. Meal planning
Choose a day in the week when you know you are relatively free (it is usually the weekend). Develop a meal plan for the coming week according to your tentative schedule and grocery shop to prepare your meals as per plan. Having a list of quick and easy recipes, buying pre-chopped veggies, and making junk food less accessible at home are the best ways to expedite the process.
Making multiple portions and freezing leftovers can ensure that you get the most out of your food. Remember that you need not strive to always buy fancy ingredients or make complicated recipes because the easier it is for you to follow, the more likely you are to stick to it.
2. Importance Of Breakfast
Eating breakfast is important for sustaining energy levels and aiding in blood sugar management. Choose a healthy breakfast that is high in complex carbs (such as oatmeal, cereals, fruits, vegetables), high in protein (such as eggs, chicken, seeds, yogurt, etc.), rich in good fats (nuts, seeds, avocado, etc.), and rich in fibre (such as whole-grain cereals, bread, ground flax, and chia seeds, etc.).
Skipping breakfast may seem inevitable when you are busy. When you skip breakfast, you tend to nibble on snacks during the mid-morning or afternoon. Try a nutritious snack next time, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, a low-fat muffin, or a wholemeal sandwich to help you through that mid-morning hunger.
3. Healthy Snacking Choices While Working
Getting the right balance in your diet can be especially hard when working from home has become a norm and your kitchen is loaded with unhealthy choices.
Try keeping some healthy snacks if you get hungry, such as fruits, nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit. When buying snacks, choose them in smaller packages, or buy larger ones to save for later. While grabbing a slice of pizza isn’t necessarily a bad option, having an emergency snack supply may help you make healthier choices.
4. Stay Hydrated
Human bodies are made up of 70% water. Doesn’t it make sense to stay hydrated? Invest in a water bottle or a cup that shows you exactly how much water you are consuming per unit so you can keep track, carry it everywhere, and fill it up every time it empties.
Another helpful way to go about it is to download an app that monitors your water consumption. You can also set alarms, reminders, and daily targets. Drink a glass of water 1 hour before or after your meals, and every time you use the washroom to help you stay on top of your hydration game.
5. Be Mindful
A few times a week, try taking the time with your food and minimising screen time while eating without work getting in the way. This will not only help you take that much-needed break while working but will also help in decreased intake, more absorption of nutrients, better appetite regulation, and an improved feeling of fullness.
Work can get stressful and overwhelming but retrospecting and building effective strategies will help you keep away from stress or emotional eating.
Eating healthy is about deciding to make a positive change in your life, and then applying just a little bit of effort to make that change come true. If you take care of your mind and body, you will find that you are more productive and have more energy throughout the day.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.