By Melissa Buscetta, RD, CDN
I am terrible at meal prep. I know, as a dietitian, how crazy? I know a ton of dietitians who love meal planning and preparation on weekends for the work week ahead, however, it feels very overwhelming and limiting to me. I have found what works for me is keeping components of meals ready to go in my fridge. For example, a source of protein whether its chicken, eggs, beans, or fish cooked or thawed are what works for me. The other things I always have on hand are lettuce for salads and cooked vegetables or fruits. Avocados and peanut butter are my go-to healthy fats that I have available at all times.
Sometimes I don’t take my own advice. Believe it or not, being a dietitian is not synonymous with maintaining healthy habits 24/7. Often times I don’t plan ahead as well as I should. When this happens I tend to get so hungry that my healthy intentions are easily forgotten. So sometimes dinner is a frozen meal, a sandwich or my favorite breakfast food.
I am a big stress eater. Practicing being mindful is a big one for me. In an ideal world, we’d all have the time and patience to sit down to a mindful, balanced meal every day. I repeatedly break my own health rule of mindful eating by eating meals standing up and leaning over my kitchen counter or in front of the TV. The benefits of mindful eating are many. But sometimes, life just gets in the way and stress can get the best of us.
I eat after 7pm. The rule to not eat after 7pm is a made up one. This common guideline comes from the belief that munching before bedtime is worse for you than eating throughout the day. Sometimes, if I stay up late working I might eat a protein ball or a piece of fruit. I do try to keep it light, but that’s better than depriving myself and going to bed hungry.