Becoming Healthier And Reducing Stress

Eating Healthy At Home

One reason that stressed, busy people tend to gain weight is that they more often than not eat fast food, or go out to eat.  Quite understandable; after a hectic day of running here and there who has the time anymore to come home and cook something from scratch?  But eating healthy at home can not only drive away unwanted pounds, but reduce stress as well.  Meals you prepare at home are usually much better for you.  They are more than likely healthier than fast foods and the portions are less and lower in fat than from meals in a restaurant.  Not to mention that cooking at home can definitely save you money which, in turn, helps reduce the stress brought on by financial strain.  Granted, it may seem overwhelming to think of coming home after a long day of work and have to cook, but it's easier than you think.  Here are a few simple steps to get you started on a healthier eating routine that lets you enjoy more, and healthier, meals at home:

• Plan Ahead:  An important step in healthier eating is to prepare your week's meals as you are shopping.  Do it all, once a week, so you'll know what to get in one trip.  Take a close look at the products that you normally purchase for ease in preparation.  On those particularly normally busy days, make sure your menu includes those easily prepared items.  With this done, your week is planned and thereby reducing stress.

• Keeping It Simple Sometimes:  You don't need to prepare a four-course meal every night.  Often, what's simple, is healthy!  Think about it: grilled Antibiotic Free Chicken Cutlets require less work than lasagna; baked Orange Roughy is a lot easier to prepare than fried chicken.  Just try to keep in mind that you need a good balance of proteins, fruits and vegetables.  And, watch those fats and carbs.  

• Cook Ahead Of Time:  Maximize you time on less busy days by preparing your more detailed meals, and preparing more than you would eat in one setting.  You can then reheat those meals later in the next week, or even weeks ahead.  Some people will spend a whole day cooking and freezing.  While that may not be your thing, you can still plan and prepare ahead.  With such products like the Ground Sirloin, Antibiotic Free Fajitia Chicken and Luscious Ribs preparation is a breeze!

• Use A Crock Pot:  Yep, they're still in style.  And what better way to prepare healthy, easy meals.  Toss in a few ingredients, a little of this, some of that.....dinner's ready.  Better still, put it on in the morning before you leave for work and come home to the aroma of a delicious, healthy meal waiting for you.  Low fat products like the Boneless Pork Filets and Tenderloin Tips are ideal for crock pot or slow cooking.

Once you get into the habit of eating more healthy meals at home you'll find that you can "whip something up" in no time.  Probably even about the same amount of time it'd take to go through the drive-through and certainly less time than it would take to go to a restaurant.

Hopefully these tips will help you begin a stress-free and healthier eating lifestyle.  And as always, check Horizon Foods for our always easy to prepare items.  Healthy, Quick and Easy, since 1979!