Summer is here, and I bet you’re ready to get out and about!
The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and it’s definitely time to blow off some stress.
To help you create more time for fun, I’ve got some food tips for you this month. The best part: These tips save time and keep you on track with your goals!
1. Batch Cook
No one wants to spend a ton of time cooking, and sweating over a hot stove is no fun when the park or beach is calling. So use batch cooking to create a bunch of meals all at once.
The concept is simple: Cook a large quantity that will make several meals. Eat some that day, then package up the rest—either in the fridge or the freezer.
Simple example: Make a very large salad and double the number of chicken breasts you’ll need for the meal. Put the leftovers away and you’ve got the next day’s lunch or dinner covered, too.
2. Chop a Pile of Veggies and Fruit
It’s really easy to reach for processed snacks because they’re bite-sized and ready to go when you’re hungry. To give yourself a healthier option, take 20 minutes and chop up some veggies: cucumbers, carrots, celery, tomatoes, peppers and so on. Put everything in a segmented plastic container. Then do the same thing with fruit: pineapple, watermelon, melon, cantaloupe, etc. Put that in another container.
Now you’ve got healthy, delicious snacks waiting for you when you’re hungry.
Additional protip: Reach for veggies first and try to eat more veggies than fruit.
3. Plan Ahead
The sun is up, the birds are singing—and your fridge is empty. Grocery shopping is the worst on beautiful days because you’d rather be outside. Check the forecast for rainy days and then make a meal plan so you can get everything you need in one trip.
You don’t have to make it complicated (see below!). Just make sure you have enough meals to get you to the next “shopping window,” then hit the store. Feel free to stock up on anything that can go in the freezer, like frozen veggies or fruit.
Protip: Create your list of everything you need. Then rewrite it but this time group the foods so they’re ordered according to your route around the store: “Produce Section: Spinach, corn, carrots, apples, oranges, lettuce, celery, cucumber.” This plan will save you a ton of time!
4. Reduce Drag
Simple meals are the ticket when the sun is out and it’s time for fun. Avoid anything complicated or time consuming.
For example, lasagna might be delicious, but it takes more than a few minutes to prepare. If you’re worn out and looking at a lot of kitchen work, you might find yourself in the drive-thru instead. So stick to simple stuff: sandwiches, wraps, salads, raw veggies and lean meats you can grill fast on the barbecue. If a healthy meal is only minutes away, you’re more likely to make it.
5. Enjoy Treats on a Schedule
Treats are part of life, and they’re delicious. But if you want to keep moving toward your goals, make a plan to fit them in. For example, it’s a mistake to fill the cart with chips and sweets if you’re trying to lose weight. If you unconsciously reach for goodies just because they’re there, you might struggle to stay on track.
Instead, look ahead and decide when you’ll enjoy a few treats. Put them into your meal plan and enjoy them guilt-free. Then get back to your regular routine until the next planned treat.
We Can Help!
These are just five simple, general tips, but they’ll do wonders for your nutrition. I want you to get the most out of the season and keep moving forward!
If you’ve got any questions about food, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d be happy to meet with you in person or online to make a plan that’s tailored exactly to your goals. Drop me an email at [email protected] and we can chat.
P.S. Don’t forget that we can create quick but effective travel workouts for you if you’re hitting the road this summer!
