Even when we set aside those precious ten minutes to meditate in the morning, and head to the yoga studio after work to unwind, days still often feel too short to make all of our chores fit perfectly. In all fairness, achieving that work-life balance takes so much practice and refinement, and self-care in every form often suffers as a result of our overwhelming desire to evolve and progress in life. One of the most common aspects of our existence that we neglect during those superbly hectic days is our nutrition.

Eating well is the pillar of our healthy lifestyle, one that defines how productive and successful our workouts will be, and one that keeps us healthy even during the flu season. It deserves more time and effort from us, but when you come across a particularly busy day, you need a backup plan to help you stay on the right track with your nutrition goals. Here are a few tips to help you succeed no matter how crazy that schedule gets!

Look into healthy delivery options

We’re used to having fast food options around every corner that we simply never remember to find out if there are better alternatives out there. Thanks to our growing awareness of our own health and wellbeing, most well-developed cities now have healthy and diverse meal-delivery services that can be tailor-made to suit your nutritional needs.

This is perfect for people who are focused on their work, spend long hours at the office, and still want to build a personal life without spending too much time in the kitchen. It requires some investments, so make sure to leave this option for your busiest of busy days!

Stash healthy snacks

What do we do when we’re low on energy and we’re in desperate need for a quick pick-me-up at work? We open the drawer or head to the vending machine to get a candy bar or a soda drink loaded with sugar. True, you’ll feel an instant surge of energy, but an equally fast energy slump to follow, and not to mention the long-term harm you can cause your body when you consistently cave in to your sugar cravings when in need for a snack.

First of all, empty all of your drawers and cabinets of unhealthy snacks, no matter how convenient they are. Then, stack your shelves with healthy, delicious, and equally convenient alternatives. Fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, or citrusy fruits are all wonderful to help you get your energy boost and reward your body with plenty of vitamins and minerals. When you need something more filling, nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and the like are all satiating, healthy, and delicious. Also, an occasional bar of dark chocolate is a great way to help you make it through a busy day. 

Reach for a powerful supplement

Sometimes, your best efforts at packing your lunch and getting the right snacks may fail you. That’s why it’s useful to add nutritional supplements to your daily eating plan, so as to ensure your body has everything it needs in terms of macro and micronutrients. They are a reliable source of vitamins, minerals, and they can be a healthy source of protein and carbs for your after-workout smoothie. 

More often than not, we don’t have the time to eat those five fruit and veggie portions to ensure optimal energy levels and to safeguard our immune system. Although skipping one balanced meal won’t do you much harm, it’s vital that you stick to a consistent eating plan to ensure balanced nutrition for your mind and your body. As a result, you’ll be more productive, have more energy, and you’ll stay healthy, not hungry. 

Meal-prepping to the rescue

Most people think of their meals one day at a time. For some, this may work, but too many responsibilities during a single day will often leave you skipping that lunch break or reaching for your third cup of coffee instead of taking the time to make a healthy cup of tea. Why not try preparing your meals a week in advance? 

This is one of the most efficient ways to cut your cooking time, and to have a healthy, balanced meal at the ready for every day of the week. For example, leave Saturdays for grocery shopping, Sundays for cooking and packing, and you’ll have the next seven days planned and ready. Any left-overs? The next tip is your hint. 

Use your freezer when cooking in bulk 

Sometimes, the simplest of decisions can help you devote more time to self-care and stay true to your healthy habits. However, instead of purchasing those pre-cooked frozen meals loaded with additives, you should aim to get veggies and fruits frozen at their peak of freshness. Another option is to freeze your leftovers in batches and use them as quick meals for when your meal-prepping days fail you.

This will not only help you prevent wasting food and home-cooked meals, but you’ll also have access to out-of-season fruits and veggies that are hard to come by when you’re in need of an antioxidant-rich protein smoothie. 

A little imagination and effort can go a long way in helping you reach your health goals. Use these tips to build a healthy lifestyle and to ensure that you always have time and creativity for yet another delicious, nutritious meal on those busy days.