Weight loss can be a hard-won prize, involving a lot of effort and willpower. Frustratingly, it’s all too easy to let the benefits slip away, especially if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t have a lot of time to prepare healthy meals from scratch.
If you are noticing the pounds pile back on, or just want to maintain the momentum of recent weight loss, here are some simple hacks that won’t eat into your precious spare time.
Plan ahead
OK, so planning ahead takes up time, but bear with us. Setting aside an hour or so at the weekend to plan and prep meals in advance can save you hours in the long run. Do quick tasks such as pre-chopping vegetables, or even batch cook meals such as risottos, casseroles, and pasta dishes to stock up your fridge or freezer.
If this is too time consuming, consider using a meal prep delivery service.
Make use of doorstep grocery delivery services
If you often find yourself dialling for a takeaway because you haven’t had time to restock the cupboards, consider setting up a weekly online supermarket delivery service so that you will always have basic ingredients in stock. This can save you time, and though there is a small delivery charge, you can end up spending less on impulse buys.
Incorporate 20-minute home exercise sessions into your day
Finding the time to get to the gym or go on a long run can feel impossible when you are juggling the demands of a full-time career and family. Instead, research online workout routines that you can follow at home without any equipment. Aim for a mixture of high intensity cardio and strength training for all round fitness.
Track your snacks
When we are in a hurry, it can be tempting to reach for convenient high energy snacks such as biscuits and chocolate bars. This can soon lead to creeping weight gain, so arm yourself with healthier options such as mixed nuts and raisins, sliced raw carrots, pre-boiled eggs or fruit and yoghurt.
Enjoy your food
Food is meant to be enjoyed as well as just merely consumed for fuel. If you are rushing through the same old meals everyday as if it was just another chore to get out of the way, take a step back and find a new angle.
Vary the textures and flavours of your food to avoid boredom, and if you really don’t like a particular food, skip it. However, leaving out whole food groups is not recommended, but just make small changes such as swapping out cauliflower for broccoli. Savour foods you enjoy, chewing thoroughly and listening to your body to know when you are full.