Eating healthy can become a burden if you are not committed to the lifestyle, if you DO NOT DO MEAL PLAN, or if you don’t understand the basics of healthy eating. For me, healthy eating is making a commitment to myself to improve my overall health, stamina, and life.
People start a healthy lifestyle for various reasons i.e. weight loss, health issues, the list goes on, then go on to find it difficult to stay on track or claim it’s an expensive lifestyle. Here’s why the odds are against you … you don’t prep your meal accordingly.
When you do not plan your weekly meal, you find yourself hungry in which you result in buying food.
A power salad bowl, I’m talking of a spinach, kale, tomato, cucumber, nuts, micro greens, onion, olives, fruit, avocado salad bowl can go from $15 and up, depends on location. You can use $20 at the farmers market and purchase most if not all the ingredients and have a week worth of healthy greens for salad.
I believe in weekly planning and prepping. I believe that healthy eating can improve your overall health and have huge impact in your life. I would like to share few ideas on the basics of healthy eating and meal planning. It worked for me during my transition to healthy eating/living and has become part of my normal routine.
Have a weekly meal plan – if you are a busy person, you don’t have time to cook as often you’d like, and you don’t want to spend money ? $$$ buying meals on a daily basis then meal prep and plan is your best option. You’ll find that planning and prepping your meal is convenient, easy, and simple. Since your meal has been prepared and thought out, you just need to cook it whenever you’re pleased. Normally, I plan my weekly meal plan on Saturdays and I prep on Sundays.
Always start your day with a healthy breakfast – you can start with a power smoothie that combine fruits and veggies, an oatmeal, or an avocado toast. For example, rolled oats, frozen bananas, fresh mango, fresh avocado, apple, frozen berries, frozen pears, leafy greens, seeds and nuts, nutrient dense super food such as ashwagandha, spirulina, maca powder, moringa, chorella, graviola, carob powder, etc.…
Ensure every meal include healthy fats (i.e.: avocado), quality protein (leafy greens and legumes), veggies, microgreens, and whole food carbs (potatoes, etc.)
Buy organic whenever possible – it is, in my opinion, cheaper and better to buy fresh organic fruits and vegetables from your local organic store or the farmer’s market. Seasonal fruits and veggies are much cheaper and I sometimes buy in bulk. Mangos and avocados are slowly making their way down the runway (ha!). Last weekend, I bought 10 mangos and 10 avocados for $19.80 at $.99 cent each.
*Prices and fruits* availability are based on location. These prices can be higher or lower on the West Coast, Central, or South. Be sure to check your local market***
You can freeze anything from leafy greens, herbs, and fruits so buy extra, especially when they are in season and cheap. I always buy extra fruits, vegetables and freeze the rest.
Always keep some fresh fruits and veggies on hand for a quick snack, meal, or salad. This is very true because I’m always snacking on fruits when I’m working or traveling. I usually just reach into my bag and voila!
Eat a diversity of mixed food – enjoy plenty of variety foods to avoid nutrient deficiencies or just to try something new each day. Research recipes and foods that fit your dietary needs.
