How To Build A Healthier Lifestyle?

by Ashley
(San Diego , CA, USA)

Hello Michelle!

I came across your site as I was doing my research paper on obesity. I really want to build a healthier lifestyle but I don't really know where to start. I am a student with 2 jobs so I am always on the go and tend to find myself eating fast food a lot because its convenient and a time saver, but my belly is paying the consequences! I need help changing my diet!!

Michelle says: Hi Ashley,

I got your message about how you would like some help in changing your diet. I know from experience that being a student can be tough when it comes to eating properly. Too many things to do and not nearly enough time.

You've got to try to find a way though, because how you treat your body now is an investment (either for good or for bad) in how you are going to feel later on.

Not eating properly can cause you to get burned out especially if you're not taking enough time to sleep and rest.

I don't know your exact situation or your schedule, but here are some suggestions that I hope will help you:

Eat breakfast every day, even when you don't really feel like it. Try to have at least 1 or 2 pieces of fruit. Bananas, apples, pears, etc are quick and easy.

You could also get some prepackaged breakfast cereals from the health food store. They tend to have better ingredients.

In addition to that, you could buy some raw nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds), and add a small handful to your breakfast cereal to make it more nutritious. Click here to learn more about the importance of breakfast.

Try to pack your lunches ahead of time (e.g., at night or during your break times) so that you don't have to rely on fast food. Save fast food for times when you really need to buy something.

You can make a big pot of soup/stew and freeze it in serving size portions. Buy some bread or buns and freeze those in resealable bags to go along with your soup/stew. Then it's just a matter of grabbing a meal and going with it or heating one of the dishes up when you get home. You can do this with a lot of different dishes.

You can also buy veggies that are already pre-cut. Divide them up into resealable bags and take one with you each day. Mix it up so it doesn't get boring and predictable.

If you're really pressed for time, you can buy ready prepared meals from a health store or grocery store (read the label first to make sure it's okay). Divide the meals up into portions and freeze them. You could keep your freezer stocked with all kinds of options that will allow you to grab and go each day. You'll be eating healthier and saving lots of money too! Who doesn't love that? =)

When you do eat out, go for healthier choices like sub sandwiches, or food from healthier restaurants. You may need to look some up ahead of time in the areas you work and study in so you'll know where to go. Look for raw food restaurants or vegetarian/vegan restaurants. They tend to be more health conscious in their menu choices. Many even have a take out counter. Others that don't may allow you to get your meal to go if you call ahead of time.

Try not to worry about your weight for the time being. Once you get your life in balance with healthy eating, your weight should normalize on it's own. Eating breakfast and regular meals every day will help a lot as well. That's a good place to start.

Well, hope that helps! Do let me know how it all goes.

Michelle