4 Healthy Eating Tips for Busy Schedules

Do you ever feel too busy? Like you are being pulled in several directions at once? Busyness is one of the main barriers to healthy eating. Busyness does not have to keep you from living a healthy lifestyle.

Fall can be a busy season, and it's time for back-to-school season! I loved going back-to-school; yes, I was that kid. I was ready to see my friends every day, meet my new teacher, and learn something new! With new school supplies in hand (or backpack), I was ready.

The preparation for back-to-school was minimal as a kid. Go shopping with Mom for new clothes and shoes. The biggest decision I had to make was color-coding my school supplies for each class. I got matching folders for homework, binders or notebooks, and textbook covers. I remember science was always green. Did y'all do this?

As adults, back-to-school preparation is a whole different ball game. This is true if you are going back to school as an adult, taking college or graduate school courses, or, if you're sending kids back-to-school. To make this transition easier, here are some nutrition tips to ease you into back-to-school season and beat the busyness.

1) Prep ahead.

The morning rush can be just that - rushed! Think about ways you can make the morning less of a frenzy. Can you make tomorrow's breakfast or pack a lunch tonight?

Action steps: Try packing tomorrow's lunch tonight. Try a make-ahead breakfast; I like making granola on the weekend for a quick and easy breakfast.

2) Cook once eat twice.
When you're cooking dinner, think about making a little extra. Then, you can turn last night's leftovers into tomorrow's lunch!

Action step: What recipe can you double to make leftovers?

3) Eat the rainbow.

I like using the MyPlate model to build a healthy lunch. Aim for at least 3 of the 5 different food groups to get a variety of nutrients. Try to include at least one serving of fruit or vegetables every time you eat.

Try to "pack a rainbow." This means packing a colorful lunch, which helps you build a tasty, healthy, and satisfying meal. Colorful food is visually appealing, and helps you avoid a boring desk lunch.

Action step: Pack a colorful meal. Try making a salad or a rice bowl with lots of veggies. Try a spinach wrap instead of a sandwich.

  

4) Pack healthy snacks.

- Snacks are small portions of food that fuel us between meals. We want snacks to be quick, portable, tasty and nutritious! The afternoon lull can tempt us to re-caffeinate or grab a dessert from a vending machine. If you packed a snack, you are prepared to resist the vending machine temptations.

Action steps: Try packing peppers with hummus, fruit salad, veggies and cheese, or peanut butter and fruit for a tasty and satisfying snack.

Are you excited for the new school semester or are you dreading it?

Did you color code your school supplies? Or, is that a type-A personality tendency??
How do you prep for success during busy season?

I'd love to know your thoughts. Comment below or on social media.

For more tips, encouragement, and recipes for a healthy lifestyle, you can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

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