Tips For Eating Healthy & Keeping Fit When Leading a Busy Life

We've all done it. Monday rolls around – the day that we're supposed to start that new diet – but once again we're making excuses.The main one that seems to come up is being too busy, and with good reason. We're working longer hours than ever before, and fitting in work, a social life, taking care of our children and pets and also finding the time to go for a run seems like an impossible task.

Something has got to give, it seems, and inevitably the thing that does is the thing that you least want to do. However, with some forward thinking and time saving tips you'll be able to fit in the wholesome lifestyle you've been meaning to kick start since New Year's Day. Read on...

Tight scheduleIf you're incredibly busy, it's likely that you already have a bulging file-o-fax (or the 2013 equivalent) filled with endless appointments, to do lists and birthdays that you really can't afford to forget. Your health, dear reader, should also be included in this – it is another vital task that you simply cannot put off any longer.Make appointments with yourself to go for that jog, or to shop for healthy foods. If you arrange a time that you're going to do these things you're much more likely to get around to it. In time, these things will become part of your weekly routine. Plus, believe it or not, exercise and eating healthily will give you more energy, so you'll be able to get all of your other jobs done much more quickly. Hurrah!DelegateIt's natural that you'll happily take a colleague's help when you're snowed under at work, so make a conscious decision to do this with your healthy lifestyle, too. Arrange for a family member to babysit so that you can attend that weekly exercise class, or ask your partner to pick up some healthy snacks for you on their way home. Explain to family and friends that you need support, and how they can help.Take a seatIf you're busy, it's likely that you'll wolf down your sandwiches on your way to a meeting rather than sitting down to eat. This sort of mindless eating can mean that you eat more than you intend to. Make a point of sitting down to eat each of your meals whenever you can, and take a sip of water in between mouthfuls to make sure you slow down. You'll be surprised at how quickly you fill up!Recipe cornerWhen you do have a spare few hours, use the time wisely and cook batches of a few recipes that you can heat up later, or at least get your ingredients prepared. Here are a few time saving tips.

• Porridge is a fantastic way to start the day, but the same topping each morning can become dull. To keep things interesting, divide a seal-able lunchbox into sections using cardboard from a cereal box, and keep it topped up with healthy toppings such as nuts and berries. No time to sit down before leaving the house? Pop the whole thing in a flask and eat at your desk.
• Soup makes a great, filling lunch and can be made in a really low fat way. Just roast your favourite vegetables with a touch of spray oil, then add them to a pan of stock, herbs and / or spices, and blend when finished. Ladle the soup into portions in freezer bags, and to avoid it sticking to your freezer, place the bags into bowls until frozen.
• You can still enjoy comfort food for your evening meal, especially if you plan ahead. Choose recipes that are easy to cook in bulk such as lasagna, chili con carne and stew, but aim for lots of vegetables and only cook with extra lean meat. Plus, herbs and spices can make meals tasty without having to resort to including lots of fat like oil, cheese and butter.

About The AuthorThis post was contributed by Jonathon Harrelson. Jonathon enjoys cooking and eating healthily, he is also a keen runner and likes to go to the gym as often as he can. Thanks for reading!