It’s late, you’ve worked hard all day, you’re tired, looking forward to that
comfy leather couch, and you’re hungry. The impulse is no doubt strong to simply pick up something on the way home, whether you’re buying for yourself or the family, but if you’re strong enough to resist the temptation that is a Big Mac there is hope at home to not only eat well but to get satisfied quickly.
First, have healthy snacks at the ready. A lot of them. One of the best ways to fight the pangs of hunger that fast food is looking to fill in all its greasy glory is to start battling it as soon as you hit the door. Some whole wheat pretzels and peanut butter in a small dish can not only fill you up gently but its high carbohydrate factor will take the edge off any urge to slay a cheeseburger you can get in a drive-through.
Second, think ahead. Don’t think you have to plan ahead for the week with complete meals in mind, rather, think staples, building blocks. For example, you don’t have to buy the individual components for a confusingly long recipe you found in the back of Women’s Style circa 1983 just to make one meal. Think about buying a few boxes of brown rice, a few pounds worth of meat, packages of tilapia, bags and bags of frozen vegetables, bags of prepackaged lettuce, different kinds of fruit, and on and on. Having the fundamentals to make a quick meal at the ready is your best strategy against eating poorly.
Third, get a Crock Pot. Many of us are designed to look for the easiest route when it comes to things, certainly water is always looking to find the lowest point, so don’t fight evolution. The easiest way to ensure healthier eating while still retaining the right to eat food that tastes great is to employ the help of a slow cooking machine like the Crock Pot. Where else could you stick raw meat, raw vegetables, and a wide variety of sauces or broths and have a completely delicious meal waiting for you once you hit the door. Be an hour late or three hours late, the meal combinations your Crock Pot can make are endless. Your waist will thank you.