The fast food habits of todays busy society are being challenged by the knowledge that our ways of getting instant gratification and food are NOT healthy! Weight has become a major issue because of the convenience of a multitude of snack foods and fast food places that serve up a ton of cholesterol and calories. While menus are slowly improving in the fast food industry there are things that you can do to improve your eating habits and those of your children and family if applicable.
You rush to work with a quick bite of something for breakfast, eat a quick lunch and grab something to eat on the way home from work. Maybe it's time to plan ahead.
The kids come home from school and there is left-over fried chicken in the fridge or they grab a tv dinner and then they plop down in front of a computer or tv. How often do they go outside to play anymore?
I've changed some things to create a balance in my home that I hope will give you some ideas to help in yours.
Whether you are single, a parent, married or retired or any combination of those we all need to take care of ourselves. Those fast food restaurants and snack food companies can't take care of us so we have to find that balance.
Some simple ideas to change a few things in your life to create healthier habits.
On days off, along with enjoying them, try to prepare a few simple dishes to help get you through the week.
* Try making sugar free JelloŽ - with or without fruit. When the you get home (or the family) you have a guilt free snack that is quick to grab. Try a variety of different flavors and fruits.
* Stock up on salad ingredients for a quick salad. Prepare the extras in advance and put into zip-close bags like, lean ham, cucumbers, celery, etc..)
* Boil some eggs and put into the refrigerator for a quick protein snack.
* Sugar free popsicles and pudding are great snacks and keep the calories at bay. If you really are in the mood for a quick pie.. make one out of sugar free pudding and graham cracker crust. These are tasty too!
* For kids who don't like salad, try baby carrots, broccoli pieces etc.. with a fat free ranch dressing. Some of mine wouldn't eat a salad as little children but loved the raw vegetables with dips and ranch dressings. Much better than fried potato chips!
* Cheese is a wonderful snack for anyone needing a good source of protein or calcium. Keep favorites in the refrigerator as sticks, cubes and shredded for quick add ins to salads, and other foods or for just snacking.
* Keep a supply of healthy drinks available. If you have at least something to drink when you get home or get hungry sometimes you will feel like taking a few minutes longer to fix a salad instead of throwing together a sandwich with all that bread or tossing down some junk food.
* Another good idea is to have some fresh fruit always available. Various melon balls make a delicious cold sweet treat and look appealing in a glass. Toss a sprig of parsley on top and you have an elegant dessert for any occasion! Fresh fruit is easy to grab and eat plus it's not loaded with the calories and everything else that things like pies, cakes and ice cream add on.
These are all just ideas for the quick eaters. We all know there are special occasions and times when we want that cake or pizza or chips. If we take the time to try to balance our lives with some healthy alternatives when grabbing something fast it really makes a difference. Treat yourself well and try to eat well when you can. It makes a difference and will create healthy life-long habits that can improve health and help keep bad habit weight gain to a minimum.
Photos Courtesy of Free Stock Photos at free-stock-photos.com
