Why Healthy Eating Can Feel Impossible
Healthy eating, staying on track, and meeting your goals (whatever those might be) can sometimes feel impossible. I get it.
Once upon a time, we lived in a world where we were hunters and gatherers. We ate what was available and in season, what we killed, and what was literally around us. Fast-forward to the 1950s-60s when the highway system was built and fast food really skyrocketed. Convenience? Check. Speed? Cost? Check.
That model has permeated our country, for better or worse. We’re inundated with fast-casual joints, where you order at the counter and get your meals quickly.
While there are restaurants that might have healthier models, you’re going to best bang for your buck with health when you’re cooking at home.
Cooking takes time. Cooking takes prep. Cooking takes thought.
In a world that prioritizes convenience, pings on our phones, picking up the kids from school or daycare, planning the party, going to the barbecue, I could go on and on, but I’ll spare you. We’re busy. We’re tired. And healthy eating can feel impossible.
Here are a few of my tips on how I stay on track, avoid decision fatigue, and ensure I have a few healthy things in the fridge for the week:
Cook 1-2 proteins over the weekend or on Monday to have on hand throughout the week.
Why this helps: You can mix & match proteins to create different meals so you won’t get bored and it cuts down on lunch/dinner prep during the busy work week
Example: Cook up ground beef to make taco bowls, add to pasta, or make a burger bowl. Bake some tofu to add to salads or to a rice bowl.
Cook 2-3 veggies over the weekend or early in the week (same idea as above)
Why this helps: Throw some veg into salads, rice bowls, mix with eggs, etc. There are a lot of options, and this will cut down on cook time and minimize decision fatigue
Prep or decide on 1-3 lunches for the week
Why this helps: Lunch is notoriously difficult for me to hone in on. I work remotely half the week and go into the office half the week and having something prepped or decided on at the beginning of the week helps me plan and shop accordingly
Example: tuna/chicken salad, meal prepping a big salad (I love Lindsay on Pinch of Yum for meal prep and other yummy ideas!)
Choose categories instead of fully fleshed meals
Why this helps: This gives you a little more flexibility to play. Think - sheet pan ideas, pasta night, grain bowls, etc. You can mix & match the proteins and veggies you’ve cooked to add to any of these ideas
Stock your pantry & freezer
Why this helps: Pantry and freezer items get overlooked. Frozen veg is just as nutritious as fresh - don’t let it fool you - and they won’t go bad. Toss some frozen peas into your pasta or roast up frozen broccoli to add to your grain bowls. This saves time AND money. Your pantry can make a full meal if you have the staples. Stock it with grains, beans/canned fish, sauces, coconut milks, etc. These are great when you’re in a pinch and are super affordable.
At the end of the day, healthy eating doesn’t have to mean picture-perfect meals or spending hours in the kitchen. It’s about creating small systems that reduce stress, save time, and give you more control over how you fuel your body.
Start small. Pick one tip from above to try this week. Maybe it’s cooking a couple of proteins, maybe it’s just restocking your pantry. These small changes add up—and they can help you feel more grounded, nourished, and in control even during the busiest seasons of life.
You don’t need a total overhaul. You just need a plan that works for you.
Let me know—what’s one small change you’re going to try this week?
