Day 18: Quit Stalling & Get to Planning

We're busy people. Simple, but very true statement. If you sat down at this very point, if you had time, and wrote down your entire schedule for one day, from start to finish, others would probably wonder if you're secretly a superhero. For moms, you're Wonder Woman. It's taking care of two children, a husband, a dog and cat, a job, extracurricular activities, PTA meetings, ballet and soccer practice, not to mention little things in between like sleeping. Or you may be the Superman dad, suit by day, red cape by night. Strict work schedule, golfing with the buddies, taking care of elderly parents plus the family of your own, making time for your wife and sex life, while all providing for those you love. Maybe you are that bionic college student whose strength overcomes the fact you are juggling a low income from a part-time job, a social life, stressful assignments and tests, family and the other things that plague a normal 20-year-old. Not to mention, if you fall into any of these categories and are trying to lose weight, you may be really struggling trying to be the superhero of your own life. But what if I told you that there is a way to still be that supernatural phenomenon while still keeping your sanity?

One word, planning.

Sounds simple doesn't it? Well, in all actuality, it really is. For those of you who battle a chaotic schedule every single day and are trying to lose weight, meals can be a bit of a hassle. Instead of baking grilled chicken dressed with green beans, a sweet potato and wheat roll, you're choosing to subject your belly to greasy takeout Chinese and fast-food. But, I've got big news for you. You don't have to anymore. There are ways to fit a healthy meal into your busy schedule. It's called planning ahead. Before I go into how to plan ahead, let's discuss the five advantages of planning ahead.

1. When you're indulging in a hearty and healthy meal that's been planned out and already prepared, you're less likely to be hungry and reach for unhealthy foods that you think will satisfy your cravings.
2. Meals that are planned and prepared in advance are usually an all-in-one meal with proteins, vegetables and grains. These types of meals include casseroles and stews.
   You may not need a side dish or two.
3. These types of meals are usually a busy person's best friend. The recipes to make the meals are typically easy and headache free. Not to mention easily doubled or tripled for extra. 
4. By having a prepared meal such as a casserole or stew already put together, you actually gain extra time for yourself or others thing that need to be done.
5. Another great advantage to plan ahead meals is the fact you can portion out the correct serving of your choice. By placing the food in separate containers, you're given the right amount of food without overindulging. 

Now that we've looked at all the great advantages of plan ahead meals, let's answer the question of 'how' plan and preserve them.

• In order to save time and money, prep several different recipes that require a lot of the same ingredients.
• For great plan ahead meals, choose recipes that are sauce-based such as baked pastas, casseroles, chili and stew. These dishes are not only perfect for freezing, but the sauce in them allows the dishes to not dry out while in the freezer.
• Once each dish is done cooking, be sure to let them cook completely before freezing in order to maintain proper texture and flavor.
• Wrap or meal each meal tightly to cut the chances of dishes becoming freezer burns. Allow some space, though, for soups and stews to expand as they freeze. 
• For more freezer space, use large zip-close freezer bags. Fill them with soups or stews, press out air and freeze flat. Stack them on top of one another.
• If you're planning to eat a certain meal for supper, be sure to take the prepared meal out of the freezer the morning of in order to defrost. You may choose to move it to the refrigerator or on a counter space.
• Extra tip, courtesy of Weight Watchers: "This trick keeps your baking dishes free: Line dish with foil (so it overhangs edge). Spray with cooking spray. Prep and cook your recipe. Let dish cool, cover with foil and freeze. Once frozen, lift casserole out of dish, wrap tightly and pop back in the freezer."

For daytime meals, consider these helpful tips:

• Prepare your lunch the night before such making a turkey sandwich on wheat and portion out baked chips.
• Whenever you go grocery shopping, be sure to grab a bunch of individually wrapped cereal or granola bars. Perfect for those busy mornings when you don't have time to sit down and eat a hearty breakfast at home.
• For those of you who get hungry throughout the day, pack low-fat foods such as fruits, crackers, yogurt or cheese to keep your appetite satisfied between meals. 

Being busy all the time doesn't have to limit your weight loss capabilities. In fact, it should be the complete opposite. By planning ahead of what you're going to eat and when, you're more likely to lose weight than gain.

*Source: Weight Watchers Weekly pamphlet*

~DJH