Staying Healthy When Life is Hectic
From juggling work, family, and social commitments to managing never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy for our health to take a back seat.
As a nutritionist, I understand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the midst of a busy schedule.
I’m excited to share some valuable tips and strategies to help you stay healthy while on the go.
Side Effects of Being Busy
In our fast-paced world, we often neglect our health, only to realise the consequences when it’s too late. But staying healthy doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that fit seamlessly into your busy life.
Skipping meals
Skipping meals or having meals too spaced out can result in overeating and increasing your cravings for foods that are high in sugar, salt and saturated fat and low in nutrients. This can lead to low energy and mood, a lowered metabolism and nutrient deficiencies. To prevent skipping meals, it can help to have meals prepped in advance or meals that have minimal ingredients and are quick to put together.
Eating mindlessly
It can be hard to slow down and be mindful when you’re busy. Eating without any distractions can help you pay more attention to your hunger and fullness cues, as well as taking the time to enjoy what you’re eating.
Eating out more often
Enjoying meals out is definitely part of a healthy lifestyle, but doing this too often can leave you not feeling your best depending on what options you go for. If you’re in a position where you haven’t had time to prep meals in advance, try to order options that have a serving of vegetables and whole grains, and are high in protein and fibre.
How To Make Healthy Eating Easier
Thankfully, there are practical steps you can take to stay healthy while life is hectic.
Breakfast
Try to have a breakfast that’s high in protein and fibre which will give you sustainable energy and keep you fuller for longer. This will particularly help if you know your meals will be more spaced out during the day, due to being busy.
There are breakfasts you can prepare the night before if you have less time in the morning, such as overnight oats and egg muffins, and options with minimal ingredients that can be thrown together such as smoothies or yoghurt and muesli.
Lunches and dinners
Prepping meals in bulk will save time during the week. Also using meals that have minimal ingredients and foods that are pre-prepared such as pre-cut veg, recipe bases, and microwavable rice to cut down on preparation time.
Ready made meals can also help, and the best options have a serving of vegetables and whole grains, and are high in protein and fibre.
Some no-cook protein sources include roast chicken, tuna, beans and salmon. See photos below for example meals to build.
Snacks
Have snacks readily available that are high in protein and fibre, which will keep you full in between meals. Here are some no-cook snack ideas:
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Dips with crackers and veggie sticks
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Yoghurt with fruit and muesli
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Cheese and crackers
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Protein bars
Remember, the path to a healthier, more balanced life starts with small, consistent changes. Your health should be a priority, no matter how busy you are.
By incorporating these habits, you can take charge of your well-being and prevent the negative side effects of a hectic lifestyle.
Share your progress with the RTH community by joining our private Facebook group. Let’s support each other on this journey to better health.
