In Preparation for Laziness

We all have days when we really don't feel like doing anything. Getting up and making breakfast, or coming home from work and going straight into the kitchen to cook dinner aren't exactly appealing every single day. There are days when cooking is the very last thing that I want to do. This morning was no exception.

For the past 2 weeks I have gotten up every morning at 4:45, gotten dressed and made myself 2 fried eggs, and english muffin or toast, and heated up one of the muffins I make on the weekend.... this week was the chocolate chip banana ones. But the past 2 days I didn't want to make breakfast at all. I just wanted to sleep in, or sit on the couch and check out Facebook.

So, what do I do? Boiling some eggs on the weekend and storing them in the fridge helps out a lot. I already make 2 dozen muffins every weekend so that everyone has something that's grab-n-go in the mornings.

Preparing for the days when you just "don't feel like it" is extremely important to keeping up with eating right. There are days when there just isn't time. There are days when you don't sleep well, or the kids keep you up too late. There are days when you're sick, or that you have to work late. Being ready for these things prior to them happening is not only easy, but essential.

Find recipes for healthy things that can be grabbed quickly and popped into a toaster oven or microwave. Leftovers from the night before can be made into quick wraps. Muffins are wonderful for this. Having some grilled chicken ready in the fridge to slice and put onto an english muffin with some cheese. Having fruit ready and handy is helpful too. If you put the not-so-good for you food up in the top of the cabinet, but leave the apples, oranges and bananas out on the counter, the simple ease of access will help you stay on track. Slice up some carrots, bell peppers, or celery and put them in containers or zip-top baggies in the fridge.

So then you ask, "When will I have time for all this?" Time is always an issue. It always will be. But it comes down to making time for your own health. That hour you spend playing Facebook games on Sunday afternoon could be spent preparing your food for the week. Your health, and consequently, the health of your whole family is important enough to take this time.

Prepare for the days when you want to relax. You deserve to relax. You also deserve to live a long and healthy life. I have finally figured out that my family and I are worth it.... you are too.