According a recent article in MediaPost’s Marketing Daily news, the recession has caused a rise in fast food consumption for more affluent consumers. The scary thing is, while fast food is cheap, it will end up costing you more in the long run. Developing a habit of eating $.99 whoppers or crispy tacos will lead you to a lifetime of health problems - obesity, diabetes, hypertension, just to name a few.
In these hard times, we’re all making sacrifices. But one thing we shouldn’t have to sacrifice is our health. I often get asked by friends how I manage to maintain a healthy diet and still balance my often very busy lifestyle. They are often awestruck that I actually cook meals after a long day at work, pack my lunch, and make time for a healthy breakfast. But the truth is, I’m no Martha Stewart or Brie Vandekamp. I’m not a culinary genius or a well-trained housewife. The key to eating better (and saving money) is to have a plan. Here are a few quick meal planning ideas that generally help me get through the week:
*Fresh fruits and veggies: I often go to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday so that I can stock up on fresh produce for the week. I usually buy two kinds of fruits & veggies - the ones I plan to use as snacks like carrots, avocados, apples, and bananas and the kind I use to cook like bok choy, green beans, and mushrooms. This way, I have an assortment of things I can take in my lunch and cook for dinner. If you’re not the Farmer’s Market type, try a CSA like Eat Well Farms - you can pick up your assortment of fruits, veggies and even eggs each week from local farms.
*Whole grains and beans: I generally make a large pot of quinoa, spelt, or brown rice and another of beans to get me through the week. This makes for simple meal solutions all week long. For dinner, I’ll often do a quick stir-fry of veggies and throw them over the already prepared quinoa, spelt or rice. Sometimes, I’ll mix some beans with a whole grain, throw a little tofu, salsa and avocado in it and pack it for lunch or wrap it in a whole grain tortilla for dinner. Buying whole grains and beans in bulk (not in the can or out of the box), will not only save you money, but also sodium and calorie intake.
*Breakfast: To avoid the temptation of grab and go breakfast pastries from Starbucks, I always either eat breakfast before leaving the house or pack something to eat at work. Sometimes, I’ll boil a half dozen eggs at the start of the week so I can enjoy a hard boiled egg and a banana (sometimes with a little peanut butter) for breakfast. I usually have an assortment of fruits to choose from so I can change it up or have a little something extra from day to day. I’ll also stock up on healthy yogurt and cereals like Wallaby’s and [Me] and Goji.
Have any other good tips? Comment or send me an email at jamie@ilikegranola.com.
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A combination of banana, egg, and peanut butter for breakfast? No toast? Where does the peanut butter go?
:)
I like peanut butter on my bananas!!!
oh and I like toast - I just rarely buy sliced bread. :)