It can be difficult to make sure you’re getting enough healthy nutrients if you have a hectic schedule. Between work, family obligations, and social engagements, it’s hard to find the time to eat properly. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your health altogether. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re still getting enough nutrients, even when time is tight!
Use Supplements
If you’re struggling to get all the nutrients you need from food alone, supplements can be a helpful way to bridge the gap. Look for a multivitamin that has 100% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for each essential nutrient, and take it daily. You can also supplement with specific nutrients if you feel you’re deficient in them. For example, if you don’t eat enough fish, you may want to take an omega-3 supplement. Additionally, Pure Encapsulations B-Complex supplements can give you plenty of nutrients for better health and energy. A good supplement will make sure you’re getting what you need, even when you’re short on time.
Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients is to plan. If you know you’re going to have a busy week, take some time on the weekend to meal prep. Cook a few healthy meals that you can easily reheat during the week. Or, if cooking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of healthy prepared meals available at most grocery stores. Planning will help you make better choices when you’re short on time and less likely to turn to unhealthy convenience foods. You might also want to engage in serious meal-prepping every Sunday. For this, you’ll need to do some research to find healthy recipes you can make ahead of time and freeze in individual portions. This will give you a wide variety of nutrient-rich meals to choose from during the week, so you’re less likely to get bored or resort to unhealthy foods.
Make Smart Snack Choices
If you find yourself snacking more often than you’d like, try to make healthier choices that will still give you the nutrients you need. Instead of reaching for candy or chips, opt for nuts, seeds, fruits, or veggies. These snacks are packed with essential nutrients and will help keep you feeling full until your next meal. If you need something a little more filling, consider making a smoothie with Greek yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. This snack will not only give you a boost of energy, but it will also help you reach your daily nutrient goals. Protein bars are also a great option when you’re on the go. Look for bars that are high in protein and fiber and low in sugar. These will help keep you feeling satisfied until your next meal.
Replace Refined Sugars With Fruit
If you’re craving something sweet, try to satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit instead of refined sugars. Fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it can also help you reach your daily recommended intake of water. Plus, fruit is a natural source of sugar, so it won’t give you the same blood sugar crash that refined sugars will. If you find yourself snacking on sugary snacks more often than you’d like, try keeping a stash of fresh fruit in the fridge or freezer so you always have a healthy option available. Also, try to incorporate fruit into your meals whenever possible. Add berries to your oatmeal or yogurt, enjoy a fruit salad for lunch, or have a fruit smoothie for a quick and healthy snack.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you have a busy schedule. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your energy levels up and help your body function properly. If you find it difficult to drink enough water, try carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go. You can also flavor your water with fruits or herbs to make it more enjoyable. Drinking green tea is another great way to stay hydrated and get a boost of nutrients. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and can help improve your overall health. Another tea you should consider herbal tea. Herbal teas are high in nutrients and can offer a variety of health benefits. If you’re short on time, try brewing a big pot of tea at the beginning of the week and storing it in the fridge. This way, you’ll always have a healthy beverage available when you need it.
If you have a busy schedule, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. Planning and making smart choices can help you make the most of your time and reach your nutrient goals. And, if you find yourself snacking more often than you’d like, try to make healthier choices that will still give you the nutrients you need.
