Simplify Your Meals in 5 Simple Steps

By: Claudia Haller

I have mentioned previously: We are moving. Actually, we are relocating. This adds another layer of stress in my opinion. I can’t tell you how many times the word “simplify” crosses my mind each day.
 
Less stuff – less things to take care of – more time – more energy. Easy!
 
How does this relate to meals? Let me explain:
 
We have been introduced to more diets and types of eating than we can count on both hands in our lifetime. It seems as if there is a new fad to learn about every few months and explore if it's "the one" for us. The truth is, though, these diets often cause stress and set us up for failure. That's precisely why they never pan out the way we hope.  

There's a silver lining, though -- it's actually way easier than we are making it. The results we're looking for come when we simplify our eating habits and focus on fueling our bodies with nutrient-dense foods that make us feel good.  Food is medicine.
 
Here are five tips for simplifying your eating habits: 
 
Eat more raw, whole foods.
Eating more food in its most natural state is a great way to cut some time and stress from our mealtimes. For example, grab a piece of fruit on the way out the door instead of breakfast from the coffee shop. Add some fresh veggies as a side at lunch instead of packing chips. Toss everything in a bowl to create a big salad for dinner instead of a complicated recipe or take-out.
 
Look for simple ingredient lists.
There's a reason the Whole30 diet gained so much popularity, and it's because it really opened our eyes to how many chemicals, additives, and fillers we eat each day. Put an emphasis on reading labels and choosing foods that only include ingredients we know (and can pronounce). This is a simple way to make better choices at the grocery store. 
 
Figure out your staples.
Everyone has staple foods and favorite meals. By identifying what we love to eat, it's easier to keep those healthy items in the rotation, either as snacks, pantry items, or meals that we plan each week.
 
Reevaluate how you're supplementing.
You may have a protein shake every day, without fail. But do you really enjoy it? It probably has just become a habit. That protein powder likely has many ingredients that can be good, but equally as many that aren't so great. Perhaps you'd actually rather eat your protein each day because a well-rounded dinner is way more fulfilling than a shake on the go. Check in with your habits and decide what works best for your life.
 
Declare an end to the day.
By choosing a specific time each day when we know dinner is over, we allow our body time to digest everything that we have enjoyed before heading to bed. This allows us to sleep better and keeps us from gaining unnecessary weight. It also limits things like acid reflux flare-ups. (So uncomfortable…)
 
 
I have found that these habits begin to come naturally after practicing them for a couple of weeks. It may take a few more minutes to prep raw food or check labels while shopping, but once you get into the swing of things, you'll be saving yourself time overall by paring down and simplifying as much as possible.
 
I would love to hear how simplifying has made a difference in your life.

Claudia is an IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) trained, NBC-HWC Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and owner of Virtual Health Coaches LLC and Vibrant Health by Claudia. She loves working with clients who feel anxious, stressed and overwhelmed which makes it hard to focus and follow through on wellness goals. She is passionate about helping her clients develop very practical and personalized action steps into their lives so they can experience small wins early on.  Ready to thrive? Visit her link to book a free information call.
 
Booking Link: https://p.bttr.to/2ZidEVr

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