8 Time Saving Nutrition Tips for Busy Professionals

No matter how busy or stretched you are as a result of your work schedule and family obligations, you can’t let your diet suffer if you want to stay in shape or even shed some extra body fat.

It’s easy to let go of your control over your diet because convenience is abundant. But if you do reach for that fatty fast food meal or that processed snack, your body will pay the price sooner or later.

​Having worked with busy London professionals for years I identified key methods you can save time and still eat healthy, so here are 8 time saving nutrition tips that any busy professional can find use for.

1. Make Use of Modern Tech When Shopping ​

These days, you don’t have to do shopping for food the old fashioned way. Most major supermarkets and grocery stores have home delivery services, you just need to click through and fill your shopping cart, choose your delivery slot and pay.

​You will be saving time on travelling, wandering around the isles and you can even save your order and just re-order it in the future. Asda, Sainsbury and Tesco all do it, or you can use a service like Ocado. Do our research to find out which is best for you.​

2. Let Someone Else Do the Prep Work for You ​

If you enjoy cooking but don’t like all the prep work that you have to do first, be sure to choose products that cut out that part. You can buy peeled and chopped vegetables or the ones from the frozen aisle. Sure you will have to pay a higher price, but often time is worth more than the extra pennies.

3. Use a Meal Delivery Service That Still Allows You to Cook ​

Coming up with healthy recipes isn’t always easy, and that’s where a meal delivery service can help you. You’ll still cook the meal but the recipe and the ingredients will be sought for you so your workload is reduced.

​Hello Fresh and Gousto are just two examples of the many available in the UK. A quick Google search will give you plenty results, all you need to do is to find out which one suits your lifestyle and budget. Some of them deliver the prepped ingredients, you just need to cook. Some of them does even the cooking for you.

4. Know the Difference Between Bad Fast Food and Good Fast Food ​

Not all fast food is terrible for your body, and you should try to remember that. If you choose healthy fast food options, you can still eat out at the places you like to go to. Every fast food chain has healthy options on its menu as well.

​Just keep checking labels, choose protein and vegetable first and be wise with your carb choices. Even some McDonalds branches offer healthy options now, but you can go to Pret, Starbucks or EAT. to get quality food fast.​

5. Read the Label and Find Out Which Brands Are Healthy ​

Some brands are healthier than others, and that’s something you just have to accept. So get into the habit of reading the label and finding out which foods and brands are healthier than others.

It will take some time and energy until you learn for which brands to reach​ and which to avoid, but once you figured that all out, shopping or ordering will only take a few minutes.

6. Look at Your Favourite Meals and Make Healthy Changes to Them ​

Even if you love eating a meal that you know is very unhealthy, it doesn’t have to be a complete write-off. You just have to make tweaks and changes to those meals that make them that little bit healthier.

Do you like a good burger? Why don't your try a version where you use sweet potato instead of the bun? How about fish and chips? Switch to steamed or baked fish fillet served with veggie sticks like green beans, asparagus, carrots, etc.​

7. Know How to Prepare Grab and Go Meals ​

Waking up late or being caught up in a long meeting can ruin your meal plans. And that’s why you should always have some grab and go meals locked away in your brain. You can then call on them anytime you need to.

Think of a rich super smoothie​ made in less than 5 minutes in the morning when you're on a rush. Just have frozen berries, some protein powder, milk or nut milk, any other veg or fruit you like, seeds and nuts, a little oat, add them all to the blender and blend till smooth. There is also no harm in having mixed nuts, some veggie sticks and other quick snack options on you for emergencies.

8. Keep Cooking Simple ​

Finally, you need to keep cooking simple. It doesn’t have to be complicated and time-consuming. Tray bake recipes involve throwing down the ingredients and warming them in the oven, for example.

Cooking in bulk and freezing down a few portions is also a good idea.​ If you need a meal quickly, pick a single protein option, two handful of veggies and a little carbs. You can cook the latter for the week so you only need to take it out of the fridge.

Now you have a strong understanding of what can be done to save time on your nutrition needs, you should start putting these tips into action in your day to day life.  Would you like these tips to be delivered to our inbox? Subscribe to my regular blog updates.

​If you need some advice on how to take the first step towards a fitter and healthier body, feel free to get in touch.