Eating healthy escapes many of us due to poor planning and lack of knowledge on how to prepare food and what to eat. After running errands, picking the kids up from school, and working a 9-5, it is easier to grab fast food or throw something in the microwave than to really put in the time to make something from fresh food, herbs and from scratch. Don’t fret! We thank you for participating in the #FitnessDate Challenge, (if you didn’t get a change to participate, don’t fret! You can definitely join the fitness challenge here) so we have compiled this quick post with some great ideas of what to cook and how to cook certain things to make them healthier for your family. Plus at the end you get a weekly meal plan printable that you can use to help you plan your family meals.
When shopping at the grocery store, the healthiest food is usually placed around the edges of the store. When you enter the store you are normally faced with the fruit and veggie department. Then around the sides will be the dairy section, deli, and the meat department. So focus on these areas first.
One great idea to help with meal planning is to purchase a roasted chicken. These are ready to eat and are often found near the deli section. This chicken(s) can be several meals for your family during the week: pick up fresh ingredients to make a salad, serve on a nice bread roll, serve with whole grain rice and broccoli for a meal. The possibilities are endless.
[Tweet “When shopping at the grocery store, the healthiest food is usually placed around the edges of the store. #FitnessDate “]
If you are on a budget, and who isn’t, then look for specials in the meat department. This works really well if you shop after work. You will find that the store puts meat on a reduced price – so they can sell them before the expiry date. If you go this way, then use up the meat right away or put it in the freezer.
Another way to eat healthy during the week is to cook larger meals on the weekend. This way you can have leftovers for a couple of meals for the week. What we like to do is cook a big Sunday dinner, then Monday we cook something else. Tuesday would be the leftovers from Sunday and Wednesday leftovers from Monday. When you look at it this way you only have to worry about Thursday’s dinner. Friday’s are usually a more relaxed evening and this could be the day where you have a not so healthy meal. Instead of ordering a pizza why not make a homemade pizza.
For desserts and even a quick breakfast select fruit, yogurt or make smoothies. Don’t forget about that leftover pizza or consider making banana bread and serving for breakfast. Just replace the oil in your banana bread recipe with equal amounts of unsweetened applesauce.
[Tweet “Deciding that it is time to get healthy by learning the Basics of Nutrition and Fitness is a fantastic starting place. #FitnessDate”]
There you have a number of ideas for getting your family to eat healthier foods. You don’t have to spend a fortune, if you look for specials on meats and buy produce that is in season you won’t overspend.
Use this meal planner to help you stay focused on eating healthy and planning your family weekly meals.
Debra @A Frugal Friend says
Great tips – especially about shopping in the meat department! Always find great deals – especially if you talk to the butcher!
Shauna says
This is so very true. I know that I often feel horrible when I eat heavy and greasy food yet feel much better after eating a healthy one 🙂
Tammilee Tips says
This is all so true!! Staying on track can be so hard but easier when your spouse and family are on track with you as well!
Cristi Comes says
You’re so right. One of the best tips I ever got was that the heaviest foods were around the edges of the store. I try to shop in those fresh sections as much as possible.
Aimee SMith says
These are such good tips! I try to save by buying my meat from a store like Costco and then I pick up the produce during the week based on what is on sale.
Lisa says
I tend to eat healthier when eating out or traveling. I think it’s because I’m less strapped for time.
Stefani Tolson says
I have been trying to eat more healthy this year. I find that when I eat better and less “junk” food I feel a whole lot better.