If you’re like most people with a household move in your future, you’re probably really excited about beginning a new adventure in an exciting new location. However, relocating involves its share of stress and chaos, and one of the first things to go by the wayside is likely to be your family’s eating schedule. Even those using a professional moving service often find themselves dependent on fast food and pizza to fuel their energy for the move — and as you probably already know, these choices can not only pack on the pounds, but they can also wreak havoc with bloods sugar and blood pressure levels. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining healthy eating habits while moving to a new home.
1- Plan Meals in Advance
Making a solid meal plan for your move can help prevent hunger pangs from facilitating unwise food options. Include easy-to-prepare dishes that require a minimal amount of cooking, such as salads, sandwiches, and wraps. These can be prepared in advance and kept in a cooler to keep them fresh.
2- Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Having a stash of healthy snacks readily available is another great way to keep hunger pangs at bay during your move. Nuts, fruit, granola bars, and baked goods made with whole grains provide great alternatives to junk food.
3- Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential when engaged in physically demanding tasks such as moving. Be sure to keep lots of bottled water at hand, and consider investing in reusable water containers for everyone involved in the move. Encourage hydration by working regular water breaks into your schedule. For a refreshing twice and some added nutrition, infuse water with slices of lemon or orange.
4- Don’t Skip Breakfast
Although it’s tempting to skip breakfast to get a good head start on moving responsibilities, doing so may leave you and your group feeling prematurely depleted as the day wears on — which makes it very easy to give in to the desire to stop at the first fast food establishment that you see.
5- Pack a Cooler for the Trip
Having a portable cooler full of sandwiches, yogurt, cold drinks, and other healthy options minimizes the temptation to swing into fast food restaurants or convenience stores while you’re on the road.
6- Set Up Your Kitchen First
After arriving at your new home, the first thing you should set up should be your kitchen. This will minimize the temptation to order a pizza or two or visit the nearest fast food restaurant. You can also take advantage of local delivery services to have nutritious and delicious groceries so you’ll have something to cook!
7- Use a Meal Kit Service
The first week or so in your new home will involve getting to know your new neighborhood, and that involves becoming familiar with area grocery stores and restaurants. During this initial time period, a meal kit service may help ease the transition by providing proportioned ingredients and detailed preparation instructions. As an added bonus, these kits can allow you to explore new recipes and flavors while you’re getting settled.
Maintaining healthy eating habits during a household move may require a bit of advanced planning and effort, but it will be worth it in the long run.
