We all know the old saying “we are what we eat” but it is easy to ignore this fact especially when we all lead such busy lives. Gone are the days of the man of the house going out to work, whilst the wife stayed at home planning nutritious meals, shopping for the fresh ingredients on a daily basis and spending hours cooking.


Photo: jakerome

Nowadays we are all out at work and, with so many ready meals available in the supermarket, the temptation is to fill the freezer with something we can shove in the microwave when we get home after a busy day. However, with a little planning and an occasional bulk cook-in we can do wonders for our health.

Take time at the weekend to plan the week’s meals in advance rather than wondering on the train home what on earth you are going to have for dinner that night. Work out exactly what you are going to need and make a list for your supermarket or online shop. Knowing precisely what you are going to be using saves money too as it stops you buying things that end up being thrown away.

Dishes like spaghetti bolognaise, chilli, and casseroles of all types can be made in bulk when you have time and frozen in individual portions. Soups are good for freezing too and are an excellent and healthy thing to take to work in the winter as a change from your usual sandwich. If you have time to cook something from scratch when you get home then why not coat a couple of salmon fillets with a Schwartz rub and cook in a foil parcel in the oven? Served with tzatziki and couscous this makes a delicious and nutritious meal.

Healthy eating is key to feeling well. Bad eating habits can result in low energy, low mood, poor sleep patterns, inability to cope with stress and general malaise. It is also difficult to lose weight or sustain a healthy weight if you are feeding your body with junk, so do yourself a favour and start fuelling your body with healthy food instead.