W e all know the benefits of eating healthy and getting enough nutrition. Sadly, time constraints like classes at lunch time or just plain lack of attention to nutrition often causes us to maintain an unhealthy diet of way too much sugar, salt and fats and not enough fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. So here are a few ways you can make eating healthy so much easier!
1. Invest in a Steamer
Invest approximately RM 200 in a steamer, especially if you live on your own. Season fresh vegetables (chopped up, of course) with salt and pepper and pop it into the steamer for 10-20 minutes and you have a delicious, healthy dish! The vegetables come out tasting warm, juicy and absolutely amazing.
You can even chop up chicken breast and pop it in for some protein! It’s such a time saving way to make your own meals because your meal can be prepared in the time it takes to have a shower! You can even steam some chicken and veggies before class and pop it into a tupperware for lunch. The money you’ll be saving on store-bought meals will be more than enough to cover the initial amount you spend on purchasing the steamer.
2. Make Fresh Fruits Easily Accessible
Keep a bowl of fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges on your kitchen counter so that when you’re in a hurry, it’s the easiest snack you could reach. You can even pop a banana into your bag for a convenient snack during school hours. Believe me, fruits that are always in plain view are more likely to get eaten than fruits shoved way back in the bottom compartment of your refrigerator.
3. Just Don’t Buy It
If you want to cut back on unhealthy foods, it’s simple. Just don’t buy them! If you don’t buy that bag of chips at the grocery store, you won’t find yourself polishing it all off while you’re studying. If you live your family, make a pact to stop bring unhealthy junk foods into the house. Stock up your kitchen with healthy options such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and granola bars instead. The less accessible junk foods are, the less likely they are to tempt you. Plus, snacking on healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts will improve your memory and help you study better!
4. Add Flavor
If you’re not a big fan of fruits and vegetables, it’s alright to add a little bit of flavor! The small amounts of sauces won’t add up to much. For example, drizzling some yogurt, honey or even chocolate over fresh fruits will make them taste so much better without setting you too far back on your healthy diet. As for vegetables, try dipping carrot, cucumber or celery sticks into dips (even store-bought ones are acceptable) like guacamole, salsa and hummus. Just remember to add these ingredients in small amounts or it defeats the purpose of a healthy diet.
5. Replace Sugary Drinks with Water
Finally, take sugary drinks out of your diet except for during special occasions. Drinks like sodas, processed juices and even white coffee have way too much sugar and chemicals! So during your next mamak session, pass up your usual teh tarik for a glass of H20 to go with your meal. Not only will you be cutting down on your sugar intake, you’ll also be saving money!
Eating healthy may sound tasteless and difficult at first, but that’s only because your taste buds have become too accustomed to the chemicals in unhealthy, processed foods. So incorporate as much fruits, vegetables and lean protein into your diet as possible and soon you’ll find yourself enjoying the fresh, natural taste in delicious, healthy foods!
Pictures credited to nutrition-for-athletes.com, eatnplay.com.my
