by Thomas White

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 06, 2008

You have seen all of the advertisements on television drawing you to a quick, cheap, easy, lunch. It isn't difficult to lose yourself in a sea of modern conveniences while overlooking smarter, healthier choices. While cheap, quick and easy seems appealing at first glance, that pudge around the mid-section won't carry the same effect. Every fast food restaurant under the sun is offering a menu of items based around the continually failing dollar. In today's world, getting a meal for a dollar is a steal by any means. There are, however, healthier options at hand that are simple, easy and can be just as cheap.

The key to eating healthy is thinking healthy. A lazy mind will ultimately lead to a lazy body. Take the time to plan your daily menu even if your plan is drawn up one day at a time. Planning your meals a day in advance will go a long way to living a healthier lifestyle. While getting caught up in the rush of today's fast paced world it is easy to sacrifice logic for convenience. Do not allow yourself to fall into that convenience trap. Take a couple of minutes out of your day to plan ahead to supply your body with a balanced healthy diet.

Laying out a whole day's meal plan sounds more difficult than it is. Try to squeeze in around 6 small meals per day. The frequency of meals will keep your metabolism rolling at a high level and allow your body to better process the nutrients you provide it with. Keep your focus on utilizing high protein foods. Protein will help build lean muscle and provide you with lots of energy. Lean turkey and skinless chicken breasts are an excellent source of protein as well as egg whites, tuna and salmon. For snacks try apples or mixing cottage cheese with cups of non-fat yogurt. Keep in mind that your body needs plenty of water to operate to its best level of efficiency. Each day you should try to incorporate one glass of water with each meal and one or two extra glasses as necessary throughout your day. A typical day's meal plan should look similar to this:

Meal 1:
Omlet
Glass of water

Meal 2:
Protein Shake

Meal 3:
Tuna Melt
1/2 Cup Almonds
Glass of water

Meal 4:
Rice Pudding
Glass of water

Meal 5:
Chicken breast sauted in water (season lightly per your preference)
Glass of water

Meal 6:
1 Cup of non-fat yogurt with cottage cheese.
Glass of water

Each person has their own schedule and each person has their own surroundings that allow them to carry certain types of food with them. You wouldn't want to have yogurt with no way to keep it chilled. The key is to find the best combination of items that fit your surroundings and will be easy for you to access throughout your day. The most difficult part of eating healthy is getting into a routine. Make it a point to sit down at some point each day and plan your menu for the next day. Prepare your meals a day in advance to avoid falling into the convenience trap. Taking just a few minutes out of your day to plan your diet will go a long way to living a healthy lifestyle. Experiment with different options and foods to see what works for you. Eating healthy takes work; it doesn't mean it has to be difficult.

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