What mother of young children isn't in a hurry? Driving around town, preparing lunches, changing diapers, shopping and trying to exercise. Whether you work outside or inside of the home, chances are you're looking for shortcuts when it comes to meals and snacks. Here are a few ideas to get your efficient juices flowing and lose weight in the process.
Quick Lunch Ideas:
- Turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with celery sticks
- Tuna melt with sliced tomatoes on whole wheat bread
- Bowl of tomato soup with a whole grain roll
- Ready made salad and chicken breast strips
- Whole wheat English muffin melt with tomato and cheese
- Chicken salad stuffed in a hollowed-out green pepper
- Vegetable quesadillas
Quick Snack Ideas:
- Yogurt topped with granola and fruit
- Bran muffin with apple slices
- Brown rice cake topped with ricotta cheese, cinnamon and thinly sliced apple
- Bell peppers and hummus
- Light popcorn
- Cottage cheese topped with peaches or strawberries
- Celery with peanut butter or dressing
When you want to snack, you'll reach for the food that's easiest to eat. So wash and prepare your vegetables before you need them. At the next snack attack, you'll be ready with cut celery sticks, snap peas, baby carrots or bell pepper strips. The same thing goes for fruit. A whole cantaloupe or watermelon remains uneaten, day after day. But once it's sliced and ready to go, voila, it's a delicious and easy snack. Slice up an apple and have it as a snack two hours after breakfast. Have a slice every few minutes to keep your desire for munchies at bay until lunchtime.
Yes, eating healthy involves more preparation than reaching for a bag of chips. But the payoff is well worth the effort. Your health will improve, you’ll lose weight, and your kids will have a great example of healthy eating. And remember, great choices don't have to take an hour to prepare.
Today's Action Step: What are some healthy snack and meal choices you will make today?
