People who come to Next Level Fitness in Irvine, CA, know that they’re getting more than a gym. One benefit offered is nutrition education. Eating healthy is just as important, if not more important, than exercise. Knowing the healthiest foods can only help you if you eat them, but too often, life can become too busy and overwhelming. That’s often when people opt for fast foods and unhealthy, but quick, options. If you choose to meal plan you won’t have that problem. You’ll have meals ready to heat and serve during the busy work week in less time than it takes to get drive-through food.
It takes time at first, but it’s worth it.
Using the information provided through nutritional counseling, you’re armed with all you need to start planning your meals. Midweek, plan the meals for the following week using the nutritional guidance we provide. Some apps are available that can help, if you want more help. Make sure you include snacks in your meal plan. If you don’t, you might find yourself grabbing options that are far less healthy at the gas station/convenience store or from the office vending machine.
Try to use meats and vegetables several ways throughout the week.
Are you having roasted chicken for one meal? Use the leftover chicken for chicken salad and the bones for soup on another day. Maybe you have roasted veggies with the chicken. They can top a baby green spring salad or add to a Buddha bowl. Once you plan the meals, make a grocery list, then check the fridge and the cupboards to make sure you don’t already have those ingredients. Some people work it in reverse, checking cans and freezer items for use-by dates and creating a menu around those items close to their use by-date.
Shop on a Friday night, making certain you go after you eat dinner.
That’s an important key to both saving money and staying healthier. If you’re full that snack aisle doesn’t call your name, nor does the pastry aisle beckon you. Spend the weekend cooking. It doesn’t have to take all day. You can cook several meals at once in your oven, chop all the veggies at once and bag some for snacks. Some people have crockpots, stove tops, ovens and microwaves going all at once, so several meals are cooking at one time. That cuts overall kitchen time in half. Once everything is prepared, put the food in individual containers to heat and serve.
- If you have bones left over, but not enough for bone broth, put them in a labeled freezer bag and save them until you have enough for making broth. Bone broth is filled with nutrients. It’s a healthier option for a soup base or can be consumed by the cupful as a snack.
- You can double the recipe and make enough to store for later. Always put a date and what you made on your freezer container. You may think you’ll remember, but most people don’t.
- Having snacks available is important, especially if you have goals to reach. Have fresh fruit, veggies and dip, trail mix, popcorn or other healthy snacks ready for those times. Items like cantaloupe should be cut and ready to eat.
- Is saving money part of the game plan? Try a meatless Monday and plan meals around seasonal fruits and vegetables. When making the grocery list, check online for sales at stores close to you and look for coupons.
For more information, contact us today at Next Level Fitness