Eating healthy when you feel so lazy
July 1st, 2009 | Published in Food | 7 Comments
One of my biggest issues when it comes to eating healthy is, I’m lazy. 
Yeah I know – how crazy is that? I’m all into fitness and nutrition and yet, I can be really lazy when it comes to food.
I don’t like recipes with a million ingredients, I don’t like things that are complicated to prepare, and I don’t like to think too much about my food. In reality, I’m not a giant fan of cooking.
Planning recipes, taking hours to meticulously prepare them… UGH – not my idea of fun at all.
I have found though, that eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.
And no – I’m not talking frozen entrees or meal bars (blech!). Here are a few ideas you can add to your weekly repertoire to boost the health of your menu.
Snacks:
Granola – most grocery stores will carry a freshly made granola that is by far, amazingly better than the boxed stuff. Now – don’t get me wrong, there are lots of great pre-made versions out there. For the best health, look for oganic, or all natural brands found in the organic section of your store.
Fresh Salsa – Wait, didn’t I say I was lazy? Making fresh salsa is takes time, measuring… yeah – you don’t have to make it yourself! You can find freshly made salsa in the produce section at the grocery store and it is fabulous! For chip options, instead of the normal “resaurant style” chips, why not try blue corn, or whole grain?
Nuts – Ever get that mid-afternoon energy slump? Nuts are fabulous to boost your energy. Don’t over-do it, because they do contain fat. Look for unroasted or raw nuts – just to ensure you’re not getting unwanted sugar. Add a piece of fruit for some great energy to sustain you through the rest of your day.
Meal Ideas:
Smoothies – You may have read about my Green Smoothie Adventure. I’m still loving these. I feel great the whole day when I have one. And, to have a smoothie, it doesn’t have to contain greens. Smoothies are so simple to make – just throw in whatever fruit you have. You can add water, or maybe some milk or soy milk if you like that fo consistency. If you have a Thermos, you can bring your smoothie with you and keep it cool.
Soup – At first blush, soup doesn’t seem like it will be filling enough – but trust me, it is. Look for options with low sodium and as whole ingredients as possible. I’m a particular fan of vegetable soups. And, there are options out there that look and taste like they are cream soups, but are actually made from pureed veggies. No cream means you leave out extra calories and fat. And for those of us who are lactose intolerant, these give the satisfaction without the icky effects.
You don’t have to do a complete menu overhaul. Just adding a couple or a few of these ideas will help you feel better.
Welcome!
July 1st, 2009 at 9:22 am (#)
Great tips there Jenn,
I struggle with eating healthily largely because I don’t enjoy eating on my own! I sooooo love food, but when it comes to preparing meals for one, I have to confess, I’m extraordinary lazy! Cooking’s never been my favourite past-time, but I enjoy it so much more when I’m cooking for somebody else! Maybe I need to invite people over more – or better, get invited!!
July 1st, 2009 at 9:28 am (#)
Yes – getting invited to someone else’s house to eat is my preferred option as well LOL!!
I totally get where you’re coming from. For a long time, I hated lunch. I work from home, so that’s the meal that I eat alone.
And, on top of being lazy, I’m slightly picky. I don’t like left-overs, not a frozen entree fan… it was a frustrating meal!
Many times, I’ll eat snacks as that meal – like salsa and chips. Or, lettuce wraps – where to take a leaf of romaine, spread some avocado on it and fill it with veggies or tuna…
But, when we’re talking dinner that tends to be a little heartier of a meal and snack-type stuff just doesn’t cut it.
If you look at the grocery store, many times, they have freshly prepared stuff in the cases. You can find marinated kabobs, burgers, sea-food all ready to go. Add a salad – Voila! Perfect dinner that all ya had to do was slap on the stove!
July 1st, 2009 at 10:27 am (#)
Jenn, you have described me to a “T”!!!! Love the healthy foods, but hate to prepare. I just made changes to my diet too and have my handful of almonds and raisens with me now! Thanks for the reminder to be faithful to good foods, because it definitely makes a difference!
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:42 am (#)
Marianne – I hear ya…
I find that when changing my diet, an “all-in” restricted approach doesn’t work for me. I’ve got to do it a little at a time.
And really, let’s be honest – that’s how all lifestyle changes really stick. Trying to do too much too fast only makes us freak out and jump right back into our comfort zone.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:54 am (#)
Dear Jenn:
These are some great tips. I could actually live off of nuts. I LOVE them! Same thing with smoothies. Plus you can get really create with soups. Summer is a great time to make cold soups with fruits or vegetables! Ratatouille, cucumber and gazpacho are some of my favorite cold vegetable soups.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 am (#)
I have this same problem! I always wondered if it had to do with some latent self-nurturing issues…
I enjoy cooking when I don’t have to, if that makes sense. And if I’m alone, forget it. I lived on cereal for a while until my stomach finally told me to cut it out. (And I dropped about 15 pounds when I stopped eating it!)
But yeah, I could totally live on smoothies and soup. I will be checking out your smoothie adventure.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am (#)
Paula – I’m going to have to experiment with soup… thanks for that suggestion!
And Gina – I hear ya completely on the cereal thing – once again – we are connected… At one point this winter, I was eating cereal like crazy… and I started putting on weight like crazy – ACK. I felt awful – not immediately realizing it was the cereal.
Finally figured it out and dropped the cereal – felt sooooo much better.
I remember in college, I LIVED on cereal. But – I also danced 15 to 20 hours a week…