Often when people tell me they don't know what to eat, I ask them a series of questions, and usually they know perfectly well the best options.
I wanted to share them with you in case you have doubts about your choices.
So, let's play...
What would be more optimal for breakfast? Oatmeal or whole grain toast, fruits, eggs/egg whites OR gas station donuts or Pop-Tarts?
Lunch, what is more optimal? Whole wheat pita with shredded chicken, vegetables, avocado OR packaged microwave meals?
Snack, what is more optimal? Whole fruit OR fruit pastries?
Dinner, what is more optimal? Rice with black beans, whole wheat pasta, potatoes, quinoa, etc... with lean ground chicken or turkey, lean beef or fish and vegetables OR pizza or McDonald's burger?
I am more than sure that the vast majority of us know what to eat and what is most optimal.
So, let me help you with ideas on how to take action and start eating healthier.
Do you know how to cook? If not, learn. If you don't succeed at first, try and try again. I didn't know how to cook either, but I have learned over the years. Now, if you hate cooking, let me tell you, I 100% understand. I used to HATE cooking, but once I started to change my habits, I decided to give it a try and I can tell you that I always try to do what I feel is fast and easy for me, and I believe that's why I have gotten better at cooking, and I learned to enjoy it. So, I do recommend you give it a try.
Now, if you know how to cook and you just lack motivation but still want to eat healthy, there are several strategies you can try:
Meal Prepping: Dedicate some time on a day off or during the weekend to prepare and cook meals in advance. Portion them into individual containers and refrigerate or freeze them. This way, you'll have healthy, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week, requiring minimal effort. This is how I started, I wanted to save time and stress during the week, and I found this to be the most helpful method for me.
Healthy Meal Delivery Services: Explore local or online options for healthy meal delivery services. These services provide pre-cooked, nutritious meals that you can simply heat and eat. Look for ones that align with your dietary preferences and requirements. And if you really have no intention of cooking, just think... If you spend money on other things, why not on optimal nutrition?
Salad and Raw Food Options: Focus on incorporating more raw fruits, vegetables, and salads into your meals. These require minimal preparation and can be quickly assembled. Experiment with different combinations, add protein sources like grilled chicken or tofu, and use flavorful dressings to enhance the taste.
Simple and Quick Recipes: Look for simple recipes that require minimal cooking time and effort. Opt for dishes like stir-fries, sheet pan meals, one-pot recipes, or salads with pre-cooked proteins. Keep a collection of these recipes handy for days when you lack motivation. This is other of my favorites. I usually prefer baking most of my meals, because while is cooking on the oven, I can do other things.
Healthy Convenience Foods: While it's important to be mindful of processed foods, there are still some healthier options available. Look for pre-cut vegetables, pre-cooked grains, canned beans, and frozen fruits and vegetables. These can be used as building blocks for quick and nutritious meals. I mean always something is better than nothing.
Make Healthy Choices Eating Out: When eating out, focus on making healthier choices. Look for restaurants that offer nutritious options, such as salads, lean protein sources, and grilled or steamed dishes. Avoid fried or heavily processed foods and opt for healthier sides like steamed vegetables or a side salad. Nowadays a lot more restaurants offer healthy options, take advantage of this!
Get Support: Seek support from friends, family, a nutritionist or nutrition coach. They can provide encouragement, accountability, and even help with meal planning or cooking. You can also consider joining a cooking class or workshop to gain inspiration and learn new skills.
Remember, even if you lack motivation to cook, prioritizing your health is essential. Finding alternative strategies that work for you can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy diet.
Fitness is not convenient. However, neither are diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hospital stays, and the expensive bills associated with them. Choose better and do it, it's what you deserve.
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