9 Smart Tips For Eating Well

The 2 Not-So-Secret Costs to Eating Well (and how to beat them)

We live in a fast-pace world, full of opportunities to get out there and do more in less time. Whether it’s work, family, hobbies or daily errands, our 24-hour schedules are always jam-packed. While it’s great to be productive, our fast pace won’t last long without great health.

When we’re always busy, we can forget what it feels like to be rested, nourished and energized. Our go-go-go lifestyles deplete us bit-by-bit until we’re running on low and don’t even know it. We then live each day feeling a little “blah” and thinking nothing of it. But when we take the time to step back and care for our health, we can reap all the benefits of feeling great again. The problem, however, is cost.

The Time Cost

Preparing healthy foods is essential to a long, healthy life. But to do it well (and consistently), you need to set aside the time. A delicious and healthy homemade meal isn’t nearly as fast as throwing a pre-packaged meal into the microwave or oven. However, you can save yourself time with a few simple tricks.

1. Plan ahead
   Waiting until 4pm each day to decide what you want to eat for dinner is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, spend some time each weekend planning your meals for the week. If you need a bit of inspiration, Pinterest is full of ideas! Once you have your plan, go out and buy the groceries you need.
2. Cook in bulk & portion your meals
   Try making a big stir-fry on Sunday and portion it out for a few lunches. You can also cook a chicken or roast that is good for sandwiches and wraps for a days. While it takes a bit of effort, you’ll thank yourself when mealtime comes and you already have something prepared.
3. Make enough for leftovers
   When you’re cooking dinner, add an extra serving to each dish. You’re already investing the time to make a great meal, so why not reap the reward tomorrow, too?
4. Pre-cook your grains
   Grains are a great addition to your meal plan, but they take a long time to cook. Cook a big pot at once and portion out and freeze for later what you don’t need right away.

The Dollar Cost

So you have overcome the time challenge, but what about the cost? Won’t eating well put you in the poorhouse? No! Beyond stocking up on sales, here are a few simple ways to make sure your money goes further.

1. Plan your meals
   Shopping without a plan means buying more than you need. That’s how you end up with wasted food that sends your hard-earned money into the trash can.
2. Pack a lunch
   Eating out is expensive. If you spend $7-10 each day for lunch, you can save a lot by bringing something from home. This daily savings can go towards a healthier grocery list.
3. Buy in season
   Grocery stores have evolved to offer almost all of our favourite produce all year long. The problem is that out of season foods cost a lot more.
4. Don’t buy pre-packaged
   Whole foods are much cheaper than the pre-packed options. For example, you can buy a whole chicken instead of chicken breasts. Purchase the individual components of a salad instead of pre-cut veggies and mixes.
5. Shop at the farmers market
   Farmers markets are often a place for great foods at great prices. If there is one nearby, take the time to check it out and stock up on locally grown goodness.

A Healthy Snack in 10 Seconds Flat
Despite our tips to eat healthy in less time, there will always be days when you don’t have a snack or meal, but need something insanely fast. That’s just life! When that happens, you need a great option at your fingertips.

This is where an All-in-One smoothie comes in. It can offer protein, fibre, vegetables, vitamins, minerals and more in a single scoop with water. There’s just no way to beat it.

The Best One?
With lots of All-in-One options available today, which one is best? We like VegEssential® by Progressive. Unlike most others, it provides a cupboard full of healthy ingredients in each serving. Here are just a few of the things each scoop has to offer.

 – 27g of plant-based protein
Representing more complete protein than 4 eggs, without relying on any animal sources.|
 – 7g of fibre
That’s more than a whole bowl full of oatmeal.
 – Your daily multi
Over 100% RDA of 13 vitamins & minerals, plus a whole lot more.
 – 6-8 Servings of fresh vegetables
With a blend of 23 vegetables and green food concentrates, VegEssential® provides a whole spectrum of plant-based super foods.
 – 2g of healthy Omega-3 plant oils
From phospholipids, flax, borage, pumpkin, primrose and safflower.

What About the Cost?
What would you pay for 4 eggs, a bowl of oatmeal, a daily multi and 8 servings of vegetables? Conservatively, that would cost $10-15.

However, you can have VegEssential® for about $3.50 a serving. Seriously! For less than $4, you can have an unbeatably nutritious (and delicious) smoothie that will energize and support your day.

What else can you get for that price? Maybe a coffee and a bagel, but it doesn’t compare in building your health.

Living On The Right Foundation
Anything is possible when you have the right foundation. It gives you more energy, mental clarity and a brighter mood. But when you get off track and stop making healthy food choices, your health and vibrancy are chipped away. Thankfully, a great plan and supportive supplements can help to set you up for success in everything you do.

Try This For Breakfast!
Enjoy this amazingly tasty, totally healthy, super easy smoothie in a bowl in the morning – or any time you need a boost!

Ingredients:
– 1 Banana
– 1 cup Frozen Mango
– 1 cup Baby Spinach
– 1 scoop Veg Essential All In One (Vanilla)
– 3/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

Directions:

1. Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend well until smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl and sprinkle your choice of toppings.
3. Enjoy!