The idea of living alone seems exciting in theory but, practically, it comes with an immense sense of freedom as well as tons of responsibilities. From grocery shopping to cooking your meals regularly, if you do not plan, the countless responsibilities could get overwhelming and hamper the quality of your lifestyle.
To ensure you crush your healthy and fitness goals while living alone, here are five helpful diet and nutrition hacks.
5 nutritional hacks and tips to stay healthy and fit if you live alone
1. Save breakfast time with quick meals
Instead of skipping breakfast due to poor planning, ensure to whip up quick meals for breakfast. For example, overnight oats, Greek yoghurt parfait or avocado peanut butter toast.
Avocado peanut butter toast is your quick fix to catch up on your daily intake of protein, healthy fats, fibre and carbs. You could also make yourself a quick smoothie with chocolate peanut butter.
2. Plan healthy meals in advance
Consider batch cooking healthy meals on weekends and freezing individual portions. This way, you’ll always have nutritious options available when you’re short on time or energy during the week. Create a weekly meal plan that includes balanced and nutritious meals. Planning ahead makes it easier to stick to your fitness goals and avoid unhealthy last-minute food choices.
3. Shop smartly
Create a grocery list before heading to the store to avoid impulse purchases of unhealthy foods. Stick to the perimeter of the store, where fresh produce, lean proteins, and dairy products are typically located. Minimise the time spent in the processed food aisles.
4. Practise portion control
Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Consider using smaller plates and utensils to help control portions. Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eating mindfully can prevent overindulging.
5. Stay hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can also help control your appetite. Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day to remind yourself to drink enough water. Herbal teas and infused water are also good options to stay hydrated without added calories.
