Daily routines help us in nearly every aspect of our lives. From the time we drop our kids off at school to the first work meeting of the day to exercise class to dinner time, we are usually at our best when we have a schedule to follow. But one thing we’ve all learned in the last few weeks is when our daily grind is thrown off course, we are more susceptible to developing bad habits, and one of the easiest things to let slide is our diet.
We’re working hard to keep our healthy-eating habits in check—even when the refrigerator is so close to our new desk! Whether you’ve got a weight-loss goal in mind or you’re just looking to stay on track, here are a few of our top tips from our home to yours:
CREATE A MEAL SCHEDULE
If you’re used to leaving the house every morning at 7:30 a.m. with a shake in hand for your morning commute, then we encourage you to do the same from home. Setting a schedule for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks will not only keep you accountable for how often you can eat, but it will also ensure you’re taking regular breaks while working at home. You can take it one step further and prepare your meals and snacks in advance, which saves time and calories!
AVOID BUYING JUNK FOOD
Grocery shopping has become more of a chore than ever before, and most of us are focused on getting in and getting out, with the goal of not returning for a few weeks. If you have a list and are able to stick to it without veering off course and splurging on impulse buys, your refrigerator and pantry will be less likely to be stocked with foods that will negatively impact your diet. The simple rule is: if you don’t have it at home, you won’t be tempted to eat it!
ADD KITCHEN TOOLS TO YOUR REPERTOIRE
Staying at home is a great opportunity to test out new recipes and experiment with kitchen tools that can make meal prep seem effortless. Two of our favorite kitchen tools for produce preparation include a mandoline, which makes slicing your produce a quick and easy task, and a spiralizer which can turn a carb-filled dish into a delicious veggie alternative. If weight loss is your goal for this season, you’ll want to invest in a kitchen scale so you can be mindful of your portion size.
All of these tools (and more) are reasonably priced and can make a big difference in your kitchen prep. Check out Amazon for a wide variety of products or browse Sur La Table for some of our favorite kitchen tools.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF, AND SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.
Creating healthy eating habits can take time, and it’s not abnormal to fall out of your routine when stress and anxiety levels are elevated. Your habits might not change overnight, but you can take steps every day to develop, or get back to, your routine. And, it’s okay to indulge now and again! Cheat meals and cheat days are always supported in our homes. We just make sure to return to our normal healthy-eating habits sooner than later.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Share your struggles. Share your motivations. Share your victories. Share your joys! Send us a note to let us know how you are doing during this time for a chance to be featured in one of our upcoming emails or on our social media channels. Plus, we’ll send you 15% off your next Motiv-8 order in case you need a little help getting your healthy habits back on track.