Time is a major factor when deciding to make a lifestyle change. There never seems to be enough time to get all the things you need done in a day. Now you have to find the time to implement healthy lifestyle changes. This often seems too overwhelming for many of us.

Eating healthy seems to be one of the healthy lifestyle changes that fall on the way-side when time never seems to stand still. We find ourselves buying fast food because we didn’t have time to prepare a healthy meal and have to eat on the go. As a result, many of us come to the conclusion that eating healthy is something reserved for health-nuts who don’t have to work a 9-to-5, take care of screaming toddlers and still ensure that all the bills are paid.

The following tips will help you spend less time in a grocery store and in the kitchen but still help you eat healthy. It’s a win-win.

Create a Shopping List & Keep it Handy

Keep your grocery list where you can see it such as on the fridge, a notice board or on your desk at work. Keep adding items to the list as they run out. Ensure that the list is accessible to you at all times e.g. keep it in your bag. You can even use your phone’s memo pad or other apps to keep a grocery list. This ensures that you have a list to guide you anytime you get the opportunity to go shopping.

Include long lasting greens and spinach in your grocery list. These should be the bulk of your meals. Greens are versatile and are great for adding bulk to your meals. You can combine them with practically any protein to make a healthy and guilt free meal.

Include Root Vegetables in Your List

You should also ensure that you stock up on root vegetables. These include potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, carrots and turnips. Root vegetables are easy to prepare and can be stored all week in a refrigerator without going bad. They are a great source of fiber and carbohydrate.

Schedule Your Shopping Expeditions

Set a specific time and day of the week when you will go for shopping. Ensure that you stick to your grocery list. Shopping at a preset time of the week will help you avoid impulse buying and therefore avoid the urge to buying food items that are unhealthy.

Plan Your Meals

Even the busiest of us take some time off from work during the week. Take your off day as an opportunity to prepare healthy meals for the week. Cook your favorite healthy meals and store them in the freezer. You will have no excuses all week for not eating healthy since you have a refrigerator full of healthy ready to eat meals.

Incorporate the Bean

If there is one protein that you need in your kitchen it is the bean. There are several types of beans including white beans, red kidney beans and black beans. You can purchase canned beans in bulk and store them in your pantry for months. Beans are a great source of protein. They are easy to prepare and can be combined with just about anything. Combine beans with vegetables and spices and you can have a Mexican chilly or a tasty bean burrito. The possibilities are limitless.

Brown Bag It

If you find it difficult to make healthy food choices while at work, you can cut out the cafeteria or restaurant completely and bring your own food with you. Simply carry left-over food from the previous night’s dinner and have it as a healthy lunch. You’ll not only be making a healthy choice for your body but also for your bank account.