With the breathtaking foliage and cool temperatures, it’s no surprise that fall is a favorite time of year for many of us New Englanders. But with the kids heading back to school, after-school activities and the lure of the dreaded corndog or blooming onion at the Hebron Harvest Fair, this time of year can be challenging if you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
With a little planning, it doesn’t have to be so difficult.
When you don’t have time to prepare meals during the week, “batch cooking” is a good way to help you avoid making bad choices and hitting that fast-food drive-through. For example, bake several chicken breasts and few cups of rice on a Sunday. Use the chicken breasts, rice and different spices and vegetables each time for variation throughout the week.
You can also find lots of healthy, easy options in the frozen food aisle of your local grocery store. Lean proteins like chicken and fish can be purchased in frozen, vacuumed-packed containers in ready-to-serve and healthy portions. Also, now that fresh vegetables aren’t as easily accessible, try to keep your freezer full of frozen vegetables and fruit. They’re usually packaged right after picking so they taste fresh and are a good addition for a smoothie when you’re on the go.
While we all love going to our local fairs in the fall, they do present some challenges if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet. But it’s important to take a break once in a while and treat yourself, especially if you’ve been working hard, eating well and exercising regularly.
Moderation is the key. If you’ve been craving a big bucket of cheese fries or that deep-fried Twinkie, try sharing it with a friend or family member. You can still satisfy the craving but get half the calories. There are also plenty of healthier options at the fair like baked potatoes, salads, and some Middle Eastern dishes like chicken and vegetable kabobs.
With a little preparation and innovation, you’ll see there are some pretty simple, stress-free ways to eat healthy when times get busy and temptation to binge is all around us.
Angela Frankland is a registered dietitian at Windham Hospital.