Hey guys!

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the friendly folks over on News Channel 5’s Talk of the Town here in Nashville.  We discussed how to eat healthy while not spending a lot of time or money to do so.  I didn’t want you to miss all the info so check out the recap below!

Full segment link here. 

So guys, the key is to healthy eating that doesn’t take up a lot of time or money is to keep. it. simple! 

I personally love to shop at my local ALDI for better-for-you foods that don’t break the bank and help me complete my entire grocery list.  (Woo! No more multiple trips!) 

To set yourself up for success you want to map out a meal plan that focuses on nutrient-rich foods that you and your family enjoy.   But don’t let the term “meal planning” intimidate you!  It actually doesn’t have to take a long time to meal plan and can be accomplished in just 3 steps!  (In fact, taking just 15-20 minutes to meal plan, could actually save you time in the week by not having to make unplanned grocery store stops for things you forgot.) 

1. Look ahead at your calendar to pinpoint WHEN you need to plan meals for.  Sometimes we have events & functions that give us a break from the kitchen!
2. Pick out delicious dishes that are easy to assemble.  (The fun part!)  I actually found some great recipes, tips, and how-to videos at aldi.us/hellohealthy . 
3. Build your grocery list.

Check out some of my favorite weekly menu must-haves!  Just remember that you want to put your best fork forward and include at least 3 food groups at meal times to fuel up and feel your best!

BREAKFAST: Easy Overnight Oats

The 3 food groups featured here are:

1. WHOLE GRAINS — ½ cup Simply Nature Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
2. PROTEIN — 1 cup Simply Nature Organic Original Soymilk & 2 Tbsp Southern Grove Chia Seeds (if you like a thicker texture)
3. FRUIT — 1 sliced banana

You could also add your choice of sweetener and spices (like cinnamon) if desired.  (Tip: Overnight oats are actually good for about 3 days! And each jar only cost me $1.15!!) 

LUNCH OR DINNER: Basic Bowl Meal

Again the approach is simple! Focus on including those 3 food groups for a quick, balanced bowl meal.  The 3 food groups featured here are:

1. WHOLE GRAINS — Earthly Grains Rosemary & Olive Oil Quinoa Blend
2. PROTEIN — 4 oz baked chicken
3. VEGGIE — Simply Nature Organic Kale (simply sautéed in garlic & onions) 

Each bowl only cost me about $2.00!!  Score! 

SNACKS: Simple Satisfying Snack Pairs

A, again simple approach, to satisfying snack pairs is to include 2 food groups at snack time.  Here are some of my favorite go-to’s!  The 2 food groups featured here are:

1. PROTEIN — Happy Farms Colby Jack Snack Stick or Southern Grove Oven Roasted Almonds 
2. FRUIT — Fuji Apple or Southern Grove Dried Mediterranean Apricots 

(Tip: I love fitting calcium-rich dairy in at snack times because calcium is often a nutrient most of us are falling short on.  You can learn more about the benefits of dairy here!)

MY TOTAL BILL FOR THE DAY: $6.75!! 

So just remember guys, to save time, money and start eating healthier — it just takes 3 simple steps to meal plan and 3 food groups at meals time to get the nutrition you need! 

xoxo,

lj

DISCLOSURE: I partnered with ALDI for this segment.  I was compensated for my time and the products mentioned in this post.  All opinions stated are my own.