Healthy Eating Takes Time

By Lisl Bennett (Aka The Goodness Guru)

Do you often say, “I don’t have the time.”?

So many of us utter those words even about the most important aspects of our lives.

“I know I should exercise more, but I just don’t have the time.”

“My husband would love to do more with the kids but he just doesn’t have time.”

“I always meant to learn to meditate but seriously who has time to just sit still these days?”

As a Nutritionist I often hear about this Time Bankruptcy problem… Yes I would love to cook more healthy meals from scratch or shop at the farmer’s market or learn to cook Gluten free but I just never find the time.

The Urgent versus The Important

So we go through our lives paying attention to what is urgent. Those day-to-day crises which demand instant attention but are actually distracting us from our really important goals.

Modern fast food has unfortunately become standard modern practice. We shovel food in on the way to somewhere else, between meetings or class. And I’m not just talking about chains that provide junk food but fast food at home; Bread, Pasta, Ready-made Meals, 2 Minute Noodles… all of these quick and convenient to prepare but unfortunately loaded with empty calories and preservatives.

The Slow Food movement is one of the most important health trends I’ve ever promoted. And it’s not about health food, or banting or dieting. It’s about real food that sourced and cooked and enjoyed slowly. It’s about taking a bite of something delicious and actually putting your fork down and chewing and savouring and paying attention to what you’re eating.

Make Time to Eat Consciously

Eating real food is important. Teaching your children to respect food is important. Sourcing real sustainably sourced, local or seasonal food may not seem urgent but it is important. These things are going to make the difference to your health in the long term. Here are some potential time saving tips in the kitchen:

1. Get to know your local markets so you can shop efficiently.
2. Plan a menu so you always have what you need ready to go.
3. Always make extra as leftovers are great time savers.
4. Acknowledge that eating well is essential for your health.
5. Make time to eat together for the health of your family.

As you know, breaking any habit we first need to become aware of the habit. So when you hear someone saying I don’t have time. Think mmm self-fulfilling prophecy. When you catch yourself uttering that phrase, stop and think what’s more important. The thing you’re focused on or the one you’re putting off to that fictitious day when by some miracle you might ‘find’ the time. You won’t. So if your health is important, change your eating patterns now!

Lisl Bennett is a health chef offering tips and advice for healthy eating and healthy lifestyle management.