It seems impossible that we have less free time than ever when we have machines to do everything from washing the dishes to switching on the lights. However, it is a simple fact of modern life that so many of us just don’t have enough time in the day to do things we want or need to do. One area that always seems to take the brunt of our overcrowded schedules is our daily diet.
When you don’t have time to cook, you may fall into the habit of getting pre-made or convenience foods, and yet those can be some of the unhealthiest options. High in sodium, fat, sugar, and preservatives, they are often food choices that don’t much resemble real food.
So, how can you eat healthy if you just don’t have time to cook every day? There are a few good solutions.
1. Just eat clean.
No matter how busy you are, if you have time to make a stop to grab a bite, be sure you are eating the “cleanest” food you can. That would mean skipping the burger and fry places altogether and going to the health food stores in Wilmington where you know you can get fresh fruits and vegetables, lean and healthier meat choices (unprocessed is best), and so on. Just choosing to eat whole foods over processed foods – even when it is in a restaurant or take out setting – is going to amp up the health factor.
2. Make a smoothie.
Smoothies require relatively little clean up, are ready in a flash, and can be consumed on the go. Veggies, hydration, protein… your smoothie provides whatever fuel you need! Download our smoothie cheat sheet and save it to your phone to quickly reference what ingredients to combine in which order for a perfect smoothie every time.
3. Book a prep day.
You probably have at least one day or night per week when you have two to three hours of free time. Use this time as a preparation or “prep day”. For example, instead of watching TV on Sunday afternoon, why not do some shopping and then prepare what you can for the week. Just chopping up vegetables, cooking up some whole grains, and even making a few healthy dishes to keep in the refrigerator can help you keep your healthy lifestyle on track. Get home late? Stir fry a bunch of those pre-chopped veggies along with some protein, top it with the sauce you made on Sunday night, and serve it with some brown rice you reheated – totally healthy and totally easy.
4. Rely on health food stores in Wilmington.
The Co-op is one such place you can rely on to always have a readily available array of food options you can take on the go. You can often find some of the healthiest food choices ready-made from organic and local ingredients. For example, check out the new Co-op Caf Menu to order nutritious sandwiches, paninis, and flat breads to take with you, or try the fresh-made “Grab & Go” foods. This lets you enjoy meals or snacks made with the highest quality ingredients (and even for special dietary needs such as vegan or gluten free) without ever picking up a spoon or pot. Download our menu and keep it on hand for those times when you just don’t have time to cook and you sincerely don’t want anything unhealthy.
5. Choose the salad bar.
You most likely have a grocery store with a salad bar within a 3 mile radius of your work. When you donÕt have time to cook your meal for that day, heading to the store and assembling a healthy salad is a great option. Tidal Creek Co-op has a salad bar along with a hot bar for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! You never have to settle for snack machine lunches with this option not too far away.
Don’t let a tight schedule stop you from being the healthiest you can possibly be. It is simple to make a shopping list, set aside a few hours to prepare healthy foods, and find ways to fill in the gaps while on the go. Just look for health food stores in Wilmington (like Tidal Creek Co-op) who make “on the premises” and “from scratch” daily, and you should be able to stay healthy no matter how busy you become.
