tasty tips for the time-starved

(NAPSI)-There’s a reason so many women fail at dieting. Simply, they don’t have the time.

Creating a healthy lifestyle takes time. It means planning your meals ahead and having a well-stocked kitchen. When you are well prepared you will increase your chances of success. Start with a menu for the week and an ongoing shopping list of healthy foods. To avoid snacking on junk food, clean out your cupboards and throw out what would be your biggest temptation. If the family complains, don’t feel guilty -- there are little or no healthy benefits to chips, soda, or refined sugar. Today’s families are busier than ever, with little hope of slowing down. Start now to bring some healthy choices into your busy life.

Susan Burke, Chief Nutritionist at eDiets.com, offers this advice on how to work healthy eating into a hectic lifestyle:

• Take it light. Opt for low-fat and low-calorie grilled or broiled foods over fried; they are generally easier to prepare. Avoid cream-based sauces.
• Use timesaving devices. A countertop grill is convenient, quick, and easy to use to prepare healthy meals in a flash. Microwave vegetables, covered, without water.
• Take advantage of meal replacements. A variety of nutritious and tasty meal replacement bars, shakes, and snacks are available on the market.
• Strategize snacks. Carry select portions of such healthy snacks as fresh fruit, cut vegetables, trail mix, raw almonds, low fat string cheese, whole grain crackers, and dry roasted peanuts.
• Eat out wisely. Share an entrée or have a salad and an appetizer for your main course.
• Try a frozen entrée. Just be sure sodium is under 800 milligrams per serving and fat grams are less than 30 percent of the Recommended Daily Value.

These tips can help you save time and reduce calories.

Eat less, more often. Smaller, simple, frequent meals can help you maintain your energy while you’re on the go. Instead of trying to change all at once, pick one suggestion. Make an effort to consistently integrate it into your life until it becomes a habit. For example, after a few weeks if you are snacking on vegetables instead of chips, then make another small change. Within a few months you will still be busy, but will have some healthier habits and hopefully be down a size or two. This will give you a feeling of control over food, which will add to your feeling of confidence and inner peace. Just because life is hectic at times doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health.