But here's the catch. I'm a bit lazy and lack motivation sometimes. I also am a procrastinator and excuse maker - which I can guarantee are not good qualities to have when trying to create a better lifestyle. I had these grand plans to cut out carbs as much as possible and have a few 'cheat meals' a week, buy all this delicious fresh food and drink 'green' smoothies twice a day to replace breakfast and lunch.
It was going good for about a week, but then something happened. It got cold outside. Yep, I'm blaming the weather. I've somehow convinced myself that its too cold right now to make my smoothies (which included spinach and berries from the freezer), so when it gets warmer, I'll start again.
NO ASHLEIGH.
So because I lack strong willpower and determination and am a creature of comfort and comfort foods, I've come up with a few healthier things I can do until the warm weather comes back - hopefully soon!!
So, here's my Top 3 Healthy Eating Tips for Lazy People:
1. Chia seeds, flax seed, goji berries and other little 'add-ins'
These little things are a way of getting those SUPER FOODS into your meals without feeling like you are eating rabbit food and because they are so small, you wont even notice them. When I've been having my morning porridge with my 3 year old, I'll add a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seed and goji berries to my porridge and give it a good stir. I also add them to my smoothies (when its warm outside *insert guilty face*) to make them that bit more good for you. You can add flax seed and chia seeds to pretty much anything as they lack flavour, but are full of nutrients and other good stuffs. When you're lazy like me, just open up the packet, shake in some extras and its instantly a healthier meal! I mean, if you're adding it to your KFC or Maccas, it probably doesn't count, but if you add it to sauce for your meat and veg, or into a lasagna, it just adds that little bit of extra goodness.
2. Buy wholemeal, low fat and salt reduced
Wholemeal, or wholegrain (if you like seeds) bread and pasta. While I'm really trying to avoid carbs (I'm failing dismally), I've been making a point of only buying wholemeal bread/wraps so I feel less guilty about eating it. This tip is really easy to get used too, you just buy your normal groceries, but where you can swap them for the healthier alternative, do it. You'll feel better about what you and your family are eating and when and if you plan on changing your eating habits a bit more dramatically like me, it wont feel like such an overwhelming task when you already have some healthy habits in place.
3. Buy your fruit and veg from a green grocer
Now, while this isn't necessarily something about your diet you can change, they way you shop and where you shop is also important and has an affect on the foods you eat. I previously did all my shopping at Coles, which is totally fine, but since I went on maternity leave and have had the time (which I know is a challenging factor for those of you that work full-time) to go to the fruit and veg market/green grocer, it has had a huge impact on me financially and mentally. Firstly, 9 times out of 10, super markets are more expensive, so you'll save money if you make the effort to go to a green grocer. Secondly, being in a setting that only has fresh produce, will make you want to buy more and inspire you to keep trying to be healthier. There's no chocolate bars tempting you, no deep-fried crap calling your name, no distractions from what is important - HEALTHY FOOD. The best tip I can give is to do the fruit and veg shop at a green grocer BEFORE you do the rest of your shop at your supermarket. You'll be in the mindset of healthy eating and will find it easier walking past the tempting and delicious treat isles.
So, they are my top 3 tips on eating better! But I have one more bonus tip for those of you with children:
Seeing your children eat and enjoy a healthier diet, is the motivation you will need to keep on trying to better your eating lifestyle.
As mums, we tend to put ourselves on the backburner and that's where my lack of motivation comes from, and why I haven't been taking good care of myself. So even though I started this healthy eating journey purely because of vanity, I'm keeping it going because I love giving my son healthy food and makes me so proud to see him choosing cucumber over chocolate coated teddy biscuits!
I hope you found my tips and insight somewhat useful and helpful, please leave comments below of your healthy eating tips, because I'd love to incorporate some more into my life!
Ash x
