The most common excuse I hear for not eating healthy or exercising is, “I don’t have time.” I get
it, you’re busy, but guess what? So are your fit and healthy co-workers, neighbors, relatives, and
friends.  And by the way, there’s nothing “more special” or “unique” about them that magically grants them
time to exercise and cook a healthy dinner. They make it a priority because they know how awesome
life is when you feel dynamite.  While lack of time is a convenient (and common) excuse for living an unhealthy lifestyle, you must know in your heart of hearts that you deserve better. Right? I thought so!  Oh, and by the way? You can totally eat healthy even when you don’t have much time. Here are 5 tips to eating healthy in a time crunch and you’re constantly on the go.

 Time Crunch Tip #1: Be Prepared

When you’re crazy-busy, the best way to guarantee adherence to your healthy diet is preparation. It
takes the same amount of time to unwrap a banana and a hard-boiled egg as it does to unwrap a
sugar-laden breakfast treat from the vending machine or your favorite drive-thru.

Of course, the drive-thru/vending machine fare seems easier because it’s always there. This means that your
job is the make sure that the banana and hardboiled egg are always there, too. You and I both know
that you’re already spending time shopping for and purchasing food. So why not use that time more
constructively and purchase healthy food?

Schedule time on the weekend to do your grocery shopping for the whole week. If you don’t like
cooking, buy a rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and turn it into five different meals for the
week. Badda-bing, badda boom. Done.

 Time Crunch Tip #2: Create Go-to Meals

Most people habitually eat the same five meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Count me as one of
them. I start every morning with a Protein shake or some leftover protein and veggies from last night’s dinner.

What are your healthy go-to meals? Create your own that can be made easily and eaten even when
you’re brain dead. When you have these go-to healthy meals in your back pocket, it’s almost like
you’re putting your weight loss journey on autopilot. Spending two hours on Sunday to plan your
meals for the week will save you time, money, and calories.

Time Crunch Tip #3: Make It Mobile

During the week, resist the temptation to patronize restaurants, drive-thrus, vending machines, and conference
room potlucks by packing your healthy lunch. When you prepare your own food, you are 100% in charge
of the ingredients. All the cool kids are doing it.  There are many fashionable and functional soft coolers available these days. If there’s a will, there’s a way! 😉

If your job keeps you on the road all day, invest in a cooler or hot pot that plugs into your car.
Need something even simpler? There’s always the good ol’ Thermos. You’ll be grateful come 3:00 pm
when you’ve passed up the salty gas station sandwich for your own homemade salad. There’s nothing
worse than an afternoon slump that could have been avoided!

 Time CrunchTip #4: Know Thy Restaurants

Even with your best intentions and pre-planning, an unscheduled dining out experience could crash
your healthy living party.  Thankfully, most restaurants have healthy choices on their menus. If they don’t have something that fits your plan, don’t be shy: ask them to prepare a special dish. You’re the boss!

 Time Crunch Tip #5: Don’t Give Up

The first week of planning will take longer, but once you get into a rhythm, you’ll save time and
money. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t eat 100% healthy, watch your portion
sizes. And remember: perfection isn’t required for healthy living, just hop back on the horse at
your next meal.

Bottom Line: If you choose to eat healthily, you can do it with simple preparation. I never leave the
house without a protein bar because when I get hungry, I have to eat. Otherwise, I turn into a
cranky three-year-old who wants to pound sand while throwing a tantrum and eating a
gallon of ice cream. Trust me, it’s ugly, so I avoid it at all costs.

Looking for more tips or a little help with your health?  Join us in my free FB group- The Wellness Cafe.  Interested in learning more about working with me- check out my website- Wellnessbykim.com