Making Smarter Food Choices in a Time-Starved World

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It's a time-starved world we live in. When the demand for more work and other commitments take a toll on your health, it is essential to make smarter food choices.

Working mothers, students, and hectic travelers eat fast food or other junk food due to perceived lack of time for cooking. Many of us also don't think we have enough time to shop for quality raw foods.

What too often happens is that we generally crave for energy-rich food that is high in calories and low in nutrients. Sure it can be quite tasty and easy to make, but such meals do not have enough nutritious elements to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

So, what happens? Well, we tend to put on weight, stuff ourselves with even more unhealthy food, and invite weight-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

But, enjoying good food without investing too much time doesn't have to be a very difficult task.

Here are a few tips to make smarter choices in a time-starved world.

What to Buy?

When shopping for food, look for cereals, grains and fresh, fat-trimmed meat. Be sure to eat a variety of green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and cabbage. Add in a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables as well. Tomatoes, carrots, beets, peppers and sweet potatoes make for smarter food choices.

What to Avoid?

Here are some things you need to avoid in order to stay fit.

• Keep away from processed food, sugar-based food and drink, and unplanned protein-based drink.
• Don't stuff yourself with a heavy meal.
• Forgo fizzy or sugar-laced processed juice drinks.
• Shun fatty toppings such as sour cream or butter.
• Steer clear of sugary energy-bars or supplements.

What to Savor?

Making smarter choices can make a big difference for your health. You may not always have the time to sit down for a well-balanced healthy meal, but you can ward off hunger pangs by drinking a lot of water.

Other quick tips:

• Eat many smaller meals throughout the day.
• Opt for baked rather than fried.
• Choose fiber-rich veggies and protein-based foods.
• Drink protein-based meal-replacement shakes sparingly.
• Vary your menu to include different cuisines.

Protein Drinks and Meal Replacement Drinks?

For many of us, mapping out a healthy meal plan is time-consuming and sometimes tedious. It seems so much easier at times to grab a protein shake or meal replacement drink. When taken in a planned way, the meal replacement drinks can satiate your hunger for a longer time.

Some meal replacement shakes can help us maintain our weight while providing adequate protein to sustain our hectic schedule.

I've found that while meal-replacement drinks allow you to reduce weight quickly, it's the protein-based shakes that gradually help us slim without compromising our hunger.

You generally get about 100 calories per serving from these drinks. Your craving for food is curtailed and you can gradually learn to adopt quality, nutritious meals without packing on the pounds.

The bottom line: Take the time now to learn how to pick smarter food choices. You'll save time -- and pounds -- in the long run.

Of course, if you need help eating healthy, you can opt for a delicious, perfectly portioned Diet-to-Go meal plan. Diet-to-Go does the planning, shopping and cooking. All you have to do is eat great and lose weight!

About The Author: Elias Cortez is a freelance writer and the editor of www.topnetbookpicks.com - a website which provides detailed reviews and information for popular netbook models such as the Asus 1015pem and the Asus 1215N series. You can learn more about the world of netbooks at his website.

Psychology & Weight Loss

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