Healthy In A Hurry: Time-Saving Tips
Time is of the essence and unless you’re a chef, nutritionist or someone with a passion for cooking, you probably aren’t all that excited about giving up your free time for it. Am I right?
The “no time” complaint is valid! Whether you’re a student, working professional or stay-at-home mom, life is busy and the truth of the matter is that eating healthy does require time, effort and planning. BUT, it doesn't have to take up SO much of your time.
Turn to these time-saving tips to simplify the process:
Meal prep - this is my #1 key to success in any health endeavor. Does this require some work? Yes, but I’m pretty sure that carving out 2 hours on a Sunday (or alternative free day) is manageable for most people.
Pro tip: don’t make meal prep seem like another dreadful chore, because then you’ll dread doing it. Instead, pop on your favorite playlist or podcast to up the fun-factor, perhaps solicit some help from the kids, and try to find joy in the process. Click here for some simple, versatile meal prep ideas and recipes.
Buy pre-made items - although meal prep is great, it’s also time consuming. Finding ways to healthfully cut corners can help when you’re tight on time.
Perhaps you buy pre-spiralized zoodles for your pasta dish, frozen cauliflower rice or pre-made dips such as hummus and guacamole. When you have these healthy items on hand, you’ll be able to easily prepare clean, wholesome meals on even the busiest of weeks.
Include short bouts of exercise - news flash: you don’t have to put in a 30-60 minute workout (in one sitting) in order for it to be effective. In fact, some of the best, most powerful workouts are just 15 minutes long!
Instead of looking for big chunks of time in your schedule to include longer workouts, I recommend getting in short bouts of exercise throughout the day. For example: 15 minutes of yoga in the morning, a 20-30 minute walk on lunch, 10 minutes of body weight movements and opting for the stairs or a farther parking spot. This equates to nearly an hour of movement, without the burdensome time commitment. The bottom line is to fit in exercise where and when you can!
Order online - from Amazon and Thrive Market to your local restaurants and stores, online shopping has taken over. Whole Foods even offers a 2-hour FREE delivery service so you can source out your grocery shopping. Oh, and have you tried the healthy meal delivery kits? I recommend this one.
There are truly countless ways to save time - and money - from the comfort of your own home and with GREAT deals just a click away, why not take advantage!?
Do it in the morning - one important habit noted by some of the most successful people in the world is getting up before 6am. Although this doesn’t exactly seem like a time-saving tip, waking earlier allows you to accomplish more before your brain and body shuts down for the day. Plus, getting the hard stuff done first thing in the morning ensures that you actually do it!
I recommend getting to sleep earlier, preferably by 10pm, which will help you get better quality sleep AND wake earlier for your productive mornings.
There’s no doubt that eating well and living a healthy lifestyle takes time, effort and dedication, BUT, there are many ways to simplify the process. By meal prepping, stocking some pre-made items, shortening your workouts, online shopping and establishing a morning routine, you’ll save time, money and stress. You’ll feel better and results will come easier which will motivate you to continue on this path.
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