Maintaining good eating habits can feel like a real challenge, especially when life gets busy. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal commitments, eating a balanced diet might seem overwhelming. But here’s the good news: with a little planning and the right support, it’s absolutely possible to prioritize your health—even during the busiest weeks.
At Alchemy – Nutrition & Movement, I’m passionate about helping people simplify their health journeys. As a certified holistic nutrition coach and somatic healer, I believe in giving my clients practical tools and strategies to feel empowered and nurtured. Whether you’re looking for holistic nutrition and wellness support, health coaching in California, or a nutritionist in Santa Cruz, I’m here to help you create a lifestyle that feels balanced and sustainable. My personalized approach ensures that even with a packed schedule, you can stay on track and feel your best.
Here are four simple steps I recommend to help you stick with healthy eating, no matter how hectic life gets:
Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to stay consistent with healthy eating. At the start of each week, set aside a little time to plan your meals. This eliminates the guesswork and reduces the temptation to grab unhealthy options. Follow my ‘Build a Plate’ method for your meals to ensure you get the fiber, fat and protein needed daily. Not only will this save you time, but it’ll also ensure your meals keep you fueled and energized for everything on your plate.
Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time
After you’ve planned your meals, take it a step further by prepping some ingredients in advance. Chop veggies, prep a batch of soup, or portion out snacks to make your weekday cooking quick and effortless. If you’re following an individualized nutrition plan, prepping ahead ensures that you have all the right ingredients ready to go, making it even easier to stick to your goals. With just a little prep work, you can assemble healthy meals in just minutes. This strategy not only saves time but also reduces food waste, helping you stay on track.
Keep Nutritious Snacks on Hand
Snacking can often feel like the enemy of healthy eating, especially when you’re busy. But it doesn’t have to be! Keeping healthy snacks like berries, organic low-sugar yogurt, nut butter, and hummus and veggies on hand can make a big difference. When hunger strikes, you’ll have balanced and nourishing options ready to go, which means you’re less likely to reach for processed or sugary foods. ‘Build a Plate’ applies to snacks too. Ensure you get fiber, protein and fat with every meal. If you’re not sure what snacks work best for you, I’d love to help you find options that fit your needs.
Practice Mindful Eating
When life gets hectic, it’s easy to eat on the go or barely notice what’s on your plate. Practicing mindful eating can help you slow down and truly enjoy your meals. Take a moment to sit, breathe, and savor each bite. Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues—it’s a game changer for avoiding overeating. Mindful eating also helps you feel more connected to your meals, even on the busiest of days.
The Foundation: Build a Plate
When it comes to creating balanced meals easily and consistently, my Build a Plate method is the answer. It’s simple, effective, and designed to support your overall health. Here’s how it works:
- 50–75% low-carbohydrate, high-fiber vegetables: Think leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower.
- A serving of protein (30g): Choose options like chicken, fish, tofu, or eggs.
- A serving of healthy fat (around 2 tbsp): Add avocado, olive oil, nuts, or seeds for flavor and satiety.
This approach not only provides the nutrients your body needs but also supports healthy digestion, boosts metabolism, balances hormones, and stabilizes mood. By fueling your body in a way that works for you, you’ll feel more energized and in control of your well-being.
Want to explore how to build healthy habits with some support? Take advantage of your 30 minute Wellness Action Plan to receive your free three personal wellness actions.