Eating well can seem like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of effort, you can maintain a balanced diet while managing work and leisure. Impossibru? No way. Just follow these basic tips and you’re all set.

1. Make a plan:

Shop for ingredients and prep for meals over the weekend. Include healthy snacks in your shopping list so that you have no excuse to order that Chilli cheese toast or Masala dosa at work. A weekly meal plan can do wonders for your resolve, especially if you advertise it to your friends; they WILL make fun of you if you slip.  

2. Veg out:

Are you getting enough of the good stuff? By that we mean vitamins and fiber, of course. A good rule of thumb is to eat at least three cups of veggies and two fruits every day. You can eat a fruit with your breakfast and carry some along for an evening snack, or simply divide your plate at every meal: one half for fruit and veggies, one quarter for protein and one quarter for carbs.

3. H2O for life:

Sometimes the hunger pangs you feel are actually your body craving for water. The next time you feel hungry even though you’ve eaten, try sipping on some chilled water. Not soda. Not juice. Just water. Capische?

4. Sweet Dreams:

So you’ve had an early dinner but bedtime is still far away. You poke around the fridge looking for something to munch on – usually that ‘something’ is sweet. Ah sugar, it’s like catnip for so many of us. For those late night cravings, try a slice of apple with peanut butter or a chilled banana. Both can satisfy you without making you feel guilty later.

5. Mindless Munchies:

Eating in front of the television (or any screen) is addictive and dangerous to your waistline. Stock up on these readily available items so you don’t keep reaching for that bag of chips. Wait, what is a bag of chips even doing there?!

• Balsamic vinegar can add a flavorful pop to a boring salad.
• Mixed nuts for your sweet ‘n salty fix. However, be careful not to overdo these!
• Cut fruits and vegetables like cucumber, carrots, apples, and pears. You can even dip these in hummus or flavored Greek yoghurt (hung curd) for a satisfying snack.

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