Quick Foods, That WON'T Bust Your Diet!
It is said by many that we should eat more than 3 times per day. Admitably, this is not easy to do! Three times fits better in a busy schedule than 6 does! Espcially with the "every 2 hours" and "no eating 2-3 hours before bed" rules adding to it. And if that was not enough, your trying to "stay healthy", for whatever reason. Be it intolerance, diet, fitness, illness, etc. So now you gotta fit all these rules together in a timely neat lil' package!
Easier said than done!
there are however, a few things I can reccomend to those of you who are ok with the types of foods I'll be listing. Who are likely to be on a lesser restrictive diet or plan.
Like...
Nuts
Try them mixed with things. Many kinds many flavors, and unless your allergic to all nuts, most people have at least one they like to eat. Nuts are loaded with (listen carefuly to the first ford here..) HEALTHY fats. YES THATS RIGHT - HEALTHY! Your body actually NEEDS fats to function properly, so don't hold out on it! These fats help digestion, brain power, hair/skin/nails, blood cholestoral levels, and more!
Ideas? I like a simple quick fix, I mix 2/3 (or up two twice as much) Emeralds Cocoa Roast Almonds, with Ghirardelli's 60% Cocoa Chocolate Chips in a baggie and munch away! You can either set up serving size amount by calories, or, like me, just munch (or "graze") whenever you get a chocolate craving. This method can be applied to all kinds of mixes! Look up recipes for ideas. Like almond cherry granola mix. Or walnuts and dried fruit. Peanuts are full of protien so through them in. Toasted, shelled, seasoned, whatever you like!
Fruit and Wine?
According to the show "The Doctors", one of the healthiest (as well romantic, yummy and enjoyable) snacks you can eat, esp ladies, is chocolate (pref dark) dipped fruit and red wine. You can chocolate dip just about any fruit for this. Or just eat the fruit fresh with the wine. For added calcium you can pick a matching cheese (you can pick healthy like mozzarella, swiss, feta, etc.) , especially since fruit is not very filling. Very hydrating and great for your skin and body, but not filling. But if your watching calories, you can stick to just the fruit and wine if you would prefer.
Spread and crackers
Get yourself some great crackers, be they wheat, multigrain, seed, butter, soda crackers, or graham. You can put everything from various nut butters to various dips. Or even pita chips, or other chip variety There are yogurt dips, tuna spreads, veggies spreads and dips, bean dips, hummus, onion dip, even healthy versions of various cheese dips. Just about anything can be made into a dip or spread. Bananas and a couple other fruits like avocado, most veggies like squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, onion, spinach, corn even, most meats, all cheeses, and any beans available just about! Also, anything can be added into a dip. Nuts, fruits, veggies, whatever! So you can either buy some or look up recipes and make your own. Either way, with so many options it shouldn't be hard to stay within your diet/plan rules if you must!
Smoothie
Smoothies are relatively simple. Loud, but simple - and fairly quick to boot.
A simple smoothie is basically made up of fruit, yogurt and juice/milk.
Smoothie recipes can be found far and wide! you can made chocolate, pb, even veggie ones... eew, but you could. Healthy (if you make it that way) and yummy!
Grab and Go?
Try pre-packaged items, or easy to grab fruit. There are a wide assortment of healthy "bars" you can find. Even the picky people can often find one that fits them. Or make if you can't! there are recipes! There are vita-cookies and muffins. There are low-no sugar packaged fruits. Or just the real deal fresh! Fresh veggies can be a grab and go if there are ones you like. Example, celery, carrots, radishes (hubby eats them raw), etc. We enjoy pre-packaged mozzarella sticks (string cheese) as a great grab and go. There are nutrition shakes, liquid food i guess you can call it, like ensures or special k's version. Pre-packaged crackers (healthy), or nuts. Just make sure you steer clear of tempting processed fat filled options!
Salads
these CAN be quick and easy! Unless your my husband! (acts like each one he makes is going to a photoshoot or art gallery...takes FOREVER placing EAH peace JUST SO. lol)
Start with a basic leaf and add anything! Fruit, other veggies, cheese, meats, breads, beans, nuts, seeds, etc. Then top with a dressing that won't turn this salad into the calorie equivant or a big mac, and TADA!
ALSO, salads can be made of fruits, beans, eggs, meats, and pastas. so just look up ideas or play! Keep in mind your trying to be healthy!
Dessert anyone?
Not all desserts have to be evil! There are so many people out there creating ways to eat dessert healthy! Like the above Black Forest Trifle, for example! an easy quick fix! Get healthy brownies, berries, whipped cream and sugar free dark chocolate pudding and its easy peazy! One of my faves is to take the whip cream and sugar free pudding and make instant mousse!
There are pre-packaged healthy desserts everywhere now. Most common ones say "100 calorie" or "low fat" or something on them. Or google search healthy dessert recipes (or click that) and it can open a world of new recipes and ideas! Even if its simply buying soy icecream or frozen low fat yogurt. In fact the ice cream isle has a few lines of healthy options! Or try this - Eating Well has a list of quick and healthy ideas! So don't limit yourself!
I hope that this has helped you see that the two or three missing meals from your schedule do NOT have to be a burden or unpleasant. They can be simple, quick and yummy!
Have a blessed day!
LD
