6 Simple Tips to Eat Well, Live Well

Such a cliché title right? The better we eat, the better we feel – we hear this ALL the time. How many people have found that this is 100% accurate though? It’s so true! When you eat well, you really will live well. Eating well isn’t always easy, especially in the beginning. If you’re used to going out for dinner, having a drink or two each night, isn’t that living well? Not really. We all have our struggles eating healthfully and nutritiously, especially considering stopping for fast food is so easy and quick. I’m right there with you. Sometimes you just don’t want to cook. Sometimes a cheeseburger sounds better than “healthy food”. I get it. Have your cheeseburger, but just one night a week instead of 3 or 4 times a week. It’ll be worth it. I promise.

Today I’m offering some basic tips as to how to effectively prepare yourself each week to eat better and live better. These really are the most simple tips! Ready?

1. Make a grocery list.
2. • Make the list based on what’s on sale for the week. Assess the pantry for items you already have. Always try to go for fresh veggies and fruits rather than canned or frozen. Walking the perimeter of the grocery store has made a huge difference in the way I shop. Don’t worry about the stuff in the middle. Plus, it takes too much time! Grocery stores are gigantic now and all you really need is the good for your stuff around the outside of all the aisles. I usually only spend 45 minutes max per shopping trip. Go in with your list and coming out with nothing else. Keeps you track and costs less too!
3. Meal plan for the week.
4. • Create your meals based on the list you just made. By writing out exactly what you’ll have each day for the whole week, there’s no way you won’t be successful. This will allow you to weigh the healthy options of your favorite foods. Spaghetti squashwith meatballs on Friday night anyone? Typically I plan the same protein and complex carb for lunches all week and mix it up with veggies. If you can, mix it up with different meals every couple of days so you’re not sick of the same turkey and green beans by Wednesday. This will also help you stick to it. It doesn’t take nearly as long to prep if you’re making all the same protein, complex carb, and veggie for the whole week, but it’s definitely worth the extra time if it helps you to stick to it!
5. Got coupons?
6. • If you shop at Kroger, download their app on your smart phone. They have TONS of coupons on so many items that people really buy. I’m not one to clip coupons, but if I’m buying an RXBar anyway, you better believe I’m gonna download that coupon! Take advantage of what your grocery offers. It really will pay off. Also look for the sale produce section. My Kroger has a huge spot that has big bags of squash, clementines, peppers, etc. for a dollar! I can usually get 5 yellow squash for $1 in this section. Do not pass this up!
7. Prep it.
8. • As soon as you get home, just start cooking. I love using my Instant Pot, as well as sheet pans to bake or roast of bunch of things at once. Cut up fruit to have for snacks while your chicken is baking. Saute or steam your veggies while your sweet potatoes are roasting. Vacuum the house while everything is roasting. Use this time wisely. Also, clean up as you go. This makes end of the day clean up a breeze!
9. Stick to it!
10. • Got a friend starting out with their healthy journey too? Do it together! Hold each other accountable. Work out together, meal prep together, talk about recipes and meal plans for next week. Post it to social media. Everyone takes pictures of their food all the time anyway – why not show how pretty and delish your meals are? Share your recipes, too. Honestly, sharing my pictures during Whole 30 is what held me accountable and allowed me to finish the full 30 days. People would ask how it was going all the time! I never would have wanted to share that I quit!
11. • Get good quality food storage containers that will keep you food fresh for the full week. Whether its cut up fruit or your meals, Pyrex is absolutely the way to go!
12. Assess the week.
13. • What were your favorite meals of the week? What recipe would you change to make it again? Anything you don’t think you’ll make again? When planning your grocery list and meals, try to mix it up every couple of weeks. No one wants to eat exactly the same thing day after day, week after week. Make something you will be excited to eat. I promise, once you finish the second week, it will be easier.

Nutrition really IS all its cracked up to be. I know firsthand that it doesn’t matter how much you work out – if you’re eating junk, you’re gonna feel like crap and you won’t see the progress you’re looking for. To live well isn’t hard and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for the items on sale, find your coupons. I typically spend around $65 to $80 a week for two people. How much does it cost when you go out for dinner with two people? Even if it’s only $35, that’s still half of a weeks trip for the grocery! What are you really waiting for? It’s your body and your life. Why not make it the best you possibly can?

Your turn!

What are your tips for a successful week? Are you struggling to get started or to stick with it? Let’s do it together! I’ll hold you accountable, while you help me stay on track too.