When it comes to dieting many of us find that the number one
hindrance to our success is the lack of time to prepare the proper meals and
snacks for our dietary needs. It is often much more convenient to throw one
thing in the crock pot for the family or resort to the fast food last resort
rather than preparing the healthy and nutritious meal that we should be eating.
There are things you can do however that will reduce the
temptation to hit the drive thru and keep you on course with your dieting
needs. The first of these is a process known as once a week cooking. With this
method you cook enough meals to last you a week on one day. This means that for
every night of the week you have a diet friendly meal ready to go. If your entire
family is dieting or eating healthier with you, this works for this situation
as well. Dieting and incorporating healthier eating habits into the food for
your entire family is a great way to set an example for your children will
keeping you motivated and removing temptation.
Also make sure to have a nice supply and cleaned and cut
fruits, vegetables, and salad ingredients in your refrigerator in order to make
these dishes readily assessable for quick lunches or snacks. Having these foods
readily available will help you resist the temptation to snack on higher
calorie prepackaged food while also helping to insure that you have a ready
supply of fresh fruits and vegetables to help you get your 5 servings a day.
Another time saver is to work your fitness opportunities
into the course of your day. Rather than performing one lengthy workout each
day, try to find methods of bringing a little fitness activity into the most
mundane portions of your day (go stair climbing at lunch, park on the top level
of the parking garage and walk down—then up when returning—the stairs), park
far away from the door of the supermarket and see if your mall has a walking
path that is clearly marked. You’ll be amazed at the hidden opportunities many
of us have for exercising during our busy days. The trick is often in
discovering the activities rather than the time.
