Tips to keep YOU in control when you want a night off from cooking!
By Laura Kelly-Pifer
Have you ever had one of those days where you just don’t feel like cooking a meal? Maybe you’ve had a super busy day and it’s the last thing you want to do. You just want to come home, put on your PJ’s and crash. And so, it’s just easier to “pick up something” along the way.
I have a secret to tell you…..I have days like that too. And, it’s okay. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone take care of you!
What I want to do though, is share with you some simple and effective tips that will help you stay on track with your weight loss goals AND allow you to take the night off from cooking. These tips will allow you to keep control when you want to take a night off from cooking!
- Make careful menu selections – pay attention to the menu. You’ll want to choose dishes that have more vegetables and lean protein sources. Anything that is deep-fried, pan-fried, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, au gratin, or in cream sauce are usually higher in calories, unhealthy fats, or sodium.
- Skip the buffet. You tend to eat too much and have no choice in meal preparation. If you must, choose salads with oil and vinegar, fruits and if you must go back for seconds, take the time to allow your first servings to settle first.
- Special order. There are a lot of menu items that can be healthier versions when prepared a tad bit different. Next time you place your order, ask that your main dishes be prepared without all the sauces. Also, Instead of a high calorie dressing, use oil and vinegar or ask for your dressing on the side. And if your meal is fried or cooked in butter, ask that it be steamed or broiled.
- Drink water with your meal. Just about everything else contains calories. Soda is a huge source of hidden calories as well as the occasional glass of wine. If you’re not a big fan of water, try adding a little lemon or order yourself unsweetened iced tea.
- Go back to the “basics. “ Most salads, sandwiches, etc. come with a lot of extras. They might contain extra calories because of their dressings, spreads, cheeses or dips for example, What you’ll want to do instead is ask for your burger without the mayo, ketchup or mustard. Or, if you must, ask for it on the side. That way, YOU control how much is put on your sandwich.
- Eat mindfully. When eating, pay attention to how you’re eating. Are you chewing your food thoroughly? Are you stopping before you feel too fool? Allow your body to register that you have eaten.
- Do what we do in our family and drink Shakeology instead. It’s healthy for us and contains all the nutrients that we need in a day. It’s our “insurance in a glass.”
Have you already put some of the tips to use? I’d love to hear about it and any other tips you use.
Wishing you good health!
Coach Laura
Laura Kelly-Pifer is a Fitness Coach who strives to help others by giving hope and support to those that are dissatisfied with their current situation. Whether you are lacking physically, emotionally, financially, or nutritionally she is here to help you see REAL RESULTS!
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