Tuesday, September 23, 2008

But I have no time for... (Part 1 of 3)

Welcome to Part 1 of a three part series based on complaints that we have no time for eating right, exercise, or proper stretching.
This week's topic is based on the theory that we have no time to eat right.
Time and again I hear my clients tell me that their typical day starts off with a healthy breakfast, an okay lunch, followed by snacking and whatever they can get on their plate for dinner. My first response: planning! Make an appointment to yourself for an hour a week to plan out your meals for the week. And guess what? It's okay to have a day where we eat a few things we're not supposed to! If you've eaten right all week, you won't feel guilty when ordering that second glass of wine on Saturday night or sharing a dessert with your friend. So write down what you plan to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the week.
Can't find time to cook every night of the week? Not many of us can. So find a day where you can cook enough for at least 2 days. For example, I love my Foreman grill! So while I'm grilling some chicken cutlets or fish filets for tonight's dinner, I'll thrown on some more for tomorrow's dinner. Boiling water for some brown rice? Why not make another cup and then heat it up for tomorrow's dinner when you expect to be rushed.
Now, what to do when the unexpected occurs. Going out for lunch or dinner? Most menus in the past year have changed to accommodate those of us who don't want to ingest trans fats or oils. I know how good it tastes and the smell can be tempting, but be strong and keep your eye on your goal.
A client recently introduced me to www.hungrygirl.com. I encourage all of you to take a look. This link in particular, http://www.hungry-girl.com/week/weeklydetails.php?isid=1550, will be especially helpful in making the right choices at your local fast food eatery.

Now it's your turn! What's stopping you from eating healthier? Time, money, or just plain tired at the end of the day? Let me and the "Body by Kelly" community help you!

5 comments:

Olivia said...

I totally agree in that I typically stay healthy until the downtime between lunch and dinner. Also, I often don't have time for lunch, so when I get home I am starved and end up pigging out... this was a major problem last year, before I started trying to eat healthier, and now its come back. I feel like I should always have nutrigrain bars or something like that with me in case I can't get lunch.. :/

well I'll definitely be checking out that site! Thanks Kelly :)

faithhopejoi said...

Great site. Gives you a shopping list and everything.

mojo said...

It's time (or lack of it) that keeps me from eating healthy. When I have to stay late at work, and then I get home it's too close to bedtime to cook. Typically I would cook enough for the next days lunch, but when I don't cook, then I don't have lunch, and I end up eating out a lot.

Anonymous said...

Going out to eat with friends is my biggest challenge for sure!!! I'm gonna start to try eating before I go out...but I'm worried I'll just over eat. Any more tips on how to stay strong?

On a side note I checked out the Hungry Girl web site and it was pretty good. Then by chance, I came across the book!! It had a lot of good things in it, and I'm planning on going back to pick it up!

Lastly, the price of fresh veggies is out of control and not to mention none of the stores or markets in my area carry good fresh selections. If any one knows of any good stores/markes in NJ for fresh veggies at good prices I'd appreciate their input.

Kelly said...

Thanks for your comments on this issue.
Olivia: Great idea! I always carry granola bars in my purse for those times when I'm starving but just don't have time to eat a whole (healthy) meal. They satisfy my hunger until I can get home and eat lunch or dinner.
Mojo and Anonymous: When we have no other choice but to eat out, the trick is taking the time to look at the menu and figure out what the healthiest choices are. Many restaurants have a section on the menu specifically for this. If not, then use your best judgement. Make sure you include a fist-sized amount of protein, a slow-digesting carb, and some veggies and or fruits.
Anonymous: Eating before you go out to eat is not a bad idea as long as you know what to eat. A slow-digesting carb will help you feel fuller, longer. Perhaps a slice of wheat or rye toast, yogurt, or an apple or orange. Remember, it takes 20 minutes to feel "full" from your meal, so be careful how much you ingest. Keep it simple to start.
Also, I'm not sure what town you live in, but I know that here in Springfield there is a Farmer's Market held every Monday. Use this link to find one in your neighborhood: http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/NewJersey.htm
I've purchased from them before and I like what I get.

I'm glad all of you liked Hungry Girl. And keep in mind that we'll be moving on to a new topic this week, but that doesn't mean we can't continue to blog about this or past topics.
Keep up the good work ladies!