When managing a busy lifestyle, it is reasonable that some weeks we are going to be less organised than others, but this does not mean your healthy food choices need to change. Knowing how to choose a healthy meal when getting takeaway or eating out at a restaurant is a valuable skill that can ensure you stay on track with your health journey. We covered the eating out thing back in week 4, but it’s worth a quick mention again as it’s a big trap for many of us as are convenience meals…
So lets consider these pre-prepared foods that you can buy packaged from the supermarket, or even delivered in a box to your door. We call these convenience meals.
You need to be sure that when selecting convenience meals like these that you’re aware of the content – kilojoules, sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Our Dietitian has provided some tips to help these choices fit into your healthy lifestyle:
- Remember label reading from week 8? Well a similar concept applies here – read the packaging first, or if you’re buying online, look for the details before you select the meal
- If you’re buying multiple meals at once online, find a platform that has multiple healthy options (Able Foods [no relation to us] is great: https://ablefoods.com.au/)
- Think about portion size, and it’s always a good idea to drink a glass of water before and during your meal to increase the feeling of fullness so you don’t over do it
- When selecting your meal(s), choose grilled or steamed options rather than battered, fried or crumbed
- Swap creamy based sauces or dressings for tomato- based or vinegar instead
- Remember you don’t always have to finish everything that is on your plate, eat until comfortably satisfied and keep the rest as leftovers!
The idea of pre-packaged, convenience meals is appealing – almost as appealing as takeaway, and can work for your health rather than against it if you make the right choices… After all, having choice is what life’s all about, and making the right ones just makes you feel great!
If you have any questions about your own diet or would like dietary advice from your Able Dietitian, send us a message letting us know what you’re after and we’ll be in touch to help you achieve your goals!
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