Easy Ways to Start Eating Healthy Even if You Are Short on Time

Last Updated on September 14, 2018 by Diane Hoffmaster

Thank you Healthy Choice for sponsoring this post about easy ways to start eating healthy. Visit your local retailer to pick up your own Healthy Choice Simply Cafe Steamer or Original Cafe Steamer meal today!

With school back in session, our lives have once again gotten to the frantic running around like a madman stage.  Our days revolve around after school band practices, tennis matches, two adults with full-time jobs and random commitments I just couldn't say no to. While I try to simplify where I can, it isn't always easy.  Unfortunately, the first thing that goes out the window when I am in a hurry is my diet.

Whether it's due to stress or just lack of energy, I always turn to junk food when I am over scheduled and that is not helping me fit into my pants any easier.  Darn middle-aged metabolism. If you are concerned with healthy eating, I am sharing some information here that may make it easier.  You can also check out my post about PlateJoy to learn how to make healthy food faster and simpler!

I got a bit lax over the summer with eating healthy and need to make a few changes around here this month.  I thought I would share a few ways to start eating healthy that I will be adopting over the coming weeks.  Out go the cookies, in comes the celery sticks! Want to join me on my journey to eating healthier as a busy mom?  Here are a few tips that might help.

Easy Ways to Start Eating Healthy

Do a pantry clean out:

If it isn't in there, you can't eat it, right?  One of the easiest ways to start eating healthy is to ditch the garbage you are stocking in your house.  I am putting fewer bags of chips in the grocery cart and more nuts and dried fruit.  They are just as easy to grab as a snack but are a whole lot healthier. Check out my post about organizing the pantry to learn how to get your pantry in tip top shape!

Order staples online:  

Okay, I know it is supremely lazy but I have started ordering a lot of stuff online.  I get free shipping on Amazon for a lot of stuff with my Amazon Prime membership and quite often the prices are cheaper than the grocery store.  Stock up on coconut oil, herbal tea, trail mix and whatever other staples you like to keep in stock.

Prep ahead of time:

Weekends are generally slower for us, especially when I enlist the teens' help with housework.  After your trip to the grocery store, start chopping up onions, grilling a bunch of chicken breasts, and cooking some pasta.  Store everything in the refrigerator for busy weeknights.

Don't just wing it:  

If you are looking for ways to start eating healthy, you need a plan.  Don't just go to the grocery store and buy what looks good.  You will inevitably be missing some key ingredient, ditch your whole healthy meal plan and order takeout pizza.  Trust me.  I've done it. Make a list, take it to the store and shop.  When you get home, stick your menu ideas for the week on the fridge.  Stick to it.  Here are a few healthy recipes to try:

Healthy Recipes to Try

• Italian Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Fresh Basil
• Easy Rice Bowl Recipe with Chicken and Edamame
• Easy Falafel Sandwich Recipe

Pack your lunch:

One of the worst things you can do to sabotage your healthy meal plan is to eat out.  Seriously.  Yes, you could order a salad and steamed fish but who does that?  I don't have that kind of willpower.  I go to a restaurant and I order a huge burger and fries because my mouth is watering and my stomach demands it.  Sure, that is totally fine occasionally but if you are eating out for lunch every single day, that is WAY too much junk in your diet.

Not sure what to pack when you are in a hurry?  Don't discount prepackaged foods.  They can be a life saver when it comes to your sanity but learn to choose wisely. The Healthy Choice Simply Café Steamers line includes four dishes made with USDA-certified organic ingredients. All 4 varieties contain 270 calories or less and are 100 percent natural – made with nothing artificial. That includes NO GMO products.  You can choose from:

• Unwrapped Burrito Bowl: Organic black and pinto beans, fire-roasted corn, red bell peppers, and scallions with organic whole grain brown rice in a tomatillo sauce
• Sweet & Spicy Asian-Style Noodle Bowl: Udon noodles, organic edamame and carrots, celery, red bell pepper and scallions in a spicy soy sauce
• Three Cheese Tortellini: Organic cheese alongside organic spinach and mushroom in a savory marinara sauce
• Creamy Spinach & Tomato Linguini: Pasta with organic spinach and tomatoes

What is really unique about these meals is that they feature a special steaming basket that unlocks flavor and freshness.  Cooking with steam allows you to keep things juicy, crisp and fresh tasting.

The Healthy Choice Simply Café Steamers are incredibly easy to make.  No need to vent the film at all.  Just remove from the box, place in the microwave and heat for 4 to 5 minutes.  Let it cool for a few seconds and pour the top portion into the bottom 'sauce' portion and stir.  Eat right from the container or plate it, depending on your personal preferences.

If you are looking for ways to start eating healthy but are pressed for time, Healthy Choice can help.  45 percent of consumers are actively trying to include organic foods in their diet (including me!).  Healthy Choice is the only major brand in its category that can call 100% of its products "healthy" as approved by the FDA.   For more information about Healthy Choice Simply Café Steamers, check out the links below!

Healthy Choice website  *  Healthy Choice on Facebook  *  Healthy Choice on Twitter

Do you have any other ways to start eating healthy?

Diane Hoffmaster

Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy.  She has two college aged kids, one husband and more pets than she will admit to. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire  but left her career in science to become a stay at home mom. Years of playing with LEGO and coloring with crayons had her craving a more grown up purpose to her life and she began blogging and freelance writing full time.  You can learn more about her HERE.