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Week 10
by guestblogger Elise
This was not a good week either for eating or exercising. I did not meet my goal of aerobic exercise, and I really missed exercising at all.
Unusual stresses in our life lately have been pushing their way into my eating and exercise habits. Economic and major life changes have been immensely distracting to my attitude about healthy living. So far, vegan whole foods eating is a planning challenge. It still requires a great deal of thought and planning for me to be successful. This is usually okay. But lately there have been more pressing matters taking up my time and thought. Unhealthy eating has been creeping back in. Lately I have been just eating what I can grab–this tends to be whatever my kids are eating, which isn’t always vegan. We also haven’t been home much lately. We’ve been out of town, visiting family, and this can be a challenging time for eating too.
The result is that I’ve been feeling yucky. Of course. Highly processed foods do that, don’t they?
My question to you is, how do you eat in a crisis? What food choices do you make when you don’t have time (or maybe the desire) to eat and prepare several meals per day? What do eat when you have to grab and go?
I really appreciate your input. You guys are wonderful. And in answer to one of your questions, I attend kick boxing classes in the middle of nowhere Texas. Wish it were there in Utah! Might make vegan foods more available.
Thanks for your constant support and encouragement.
My response:
Elise, and all,
A healthful plant-based diet does require planning. But I’ve found that having a well-stocked freezer and pantry make my life a breeze. As much as I love cooking, I can’t spend very much time in the kitchen.
Here are a few things I do to make my life simpler:
1) Stock up on frozen fruits and veggies. Yes, I know, I know. Fresh is better. But frozen is the next best option and I don’t even cook some of my frozen veggies like green beans and sweet corn–just run them under hot water for a few minutes. Costco and Sam’s Club carry the best selection of a variety of mixed veggies and fruits. A quick and easy meal–baked potatoes topped with some beans & salsa, and a side of frozen mixed veggies (steamed). When I’m short on time, I use canned beans, microwave my potato, and I have a meal in less than 5 minutes!
2) Freeze extras. I double the batch, and freeze for later. Soups work especially well for this.
3) I shop once a week. Period. I broke the bad habit of multiple shopping trips throughout the week–it’s an energy drainer, time waster, and with proper planning, completely unnecessary. All of your produce should last AT LEAST a week.
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