With today's hectic lifestyles, the option of eating healthy is one that usually gets ignored.
We want fast, convenient foods no matter what the cost.
But ultimately we may end up paying the price with our health.
All hope is not lost.
There are steps you can take to make meal times less stressful and more enjoyable.
The following suggestions can help you prepare balanced, low-fat, nutrient rich meals without making it a hassle.
Shop wisely: First things first, you can't eat healthy foods if you don't have them around.
Make a shopping list and include foods from each of the pyramid groups.
Stock up on whole grain breads, frozen vegetables, and healthy snacks such as fruits.
Eat at home before going to the store and stick to your shopping list! Plan and prepare for meals: Wash fresh fruits and vegetables as soon as possible after bringing them home; this way they will be ready to eat as a snack or part of your meals.
When you cook, make extra and freeze for those nights you just would rather not cook.
Take the rush out of lunch: You'll have more control over what you eat when you prepare your own food.
When at all possible, take a healthy lunch with you to work or school.
Not only will you save money, but you'll also have more time to enjoy your lunch.
Use cookbooks to fine-tune your low-fat cooking expertise: Visit your local bookstore.
There are more cookbooks for healthy eating now than ever before! Invest in a few good ones that cater to your tastes and lifestyle - whether you prefer vegetarian dishes, low-carbohydrate meals or perhaps you're single and only cook for one.
Be certain that each cookbook has the nutritional analysis for each recipe.
It's so nice to know exactly what you're getting in each dish! Drinking water is also a helpful way to regulate your hunger.
It is recommended that you drink at least 64 ounces (8 glasses of 8 ounces) per day.
Avoid fruit juices from concentrate or juices that are not 100% juice.