Clean Eating Tips for the Busy Family
Whenever possible, take some time to plan ahead. Even if you can only think 3 days ahead, a little advance planning will make a world of difference. Have your recipes pulled out and your grocery list with you
Relax. Don’t get overwhelmed by recipes. It’s okay to deviate and make substitutions as long as you are eating your food as close to it’s natural state as possible.
All you really need for a healthy clean meal is a protein, vegetables and a healthy fat. This can be as simple as sliced grilled chicken, half of an avocado on a bed of greens.
Adding organic or homemade salsa, hot sauce, tahini, garlic or other healthy condiments is a quick, easy way to jazz up your plate. Just steer clear of the iodized salt, unhealthy dressings and mayo.
Keep an open mind about what you consider ‘fast food’ and look into local restaurants, natural grocers or health food stores. Remember, a quick dash into the supermarket salad bar or produce section can often be just as speedy as sitting in the drive-through line.
Take a look at the ready-to-go protein options at the supermarket. It may not be ideal but a supermarket or Costco whole roasted chicken is WAY better for you than a chicken sandwich from the drive through. (and probably costs the same!) Buy ahead and keep it in your fridge.
The key to success is planning and prepping ahead. Double the batch so you cook once, eat twice. Make extra servings whenever possible and freeze them.
Learn which recipes you can batch cook - Soups, roasted meats, rice, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, hard cooked eggs can all be cooked ahead.
Chop veggies and salad greens to have ready to go in the fridge.
Learn how to make your own salad dressing - olive oil, garlic, lemon and raw apple cider vinegar in a jar in the fridge works.
Have healthy snacks on hand to the vending machines don’t tempt you. prepare little bags of pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut or some dried fruit and an apple with you.
Prepare your breakfast smoothie the night before. Keep it in a mason jar in the fridge overnight.
If you want to juice but won’t have the time, there are some pretty good commercially available green juices in the stores now!
