Resources/places to start with eating better?

[Quietplaces]

Basically I'm trying to start the year by having a much better diet and I'm well aware it's just eating less junk and more fruit & veg but I feel so overwhelmed with a lot of other things in my life that to be honest I just can't summon up the brain power to work out how to start. DH can't really help with meal prep etc as he's extremely busy at work.

I've previously looked up recipes, got books etc, done a big healthy shop and let things go off in the fridge while we eat ready meals and I exist on crisps and chocolate. Even '5 minute meals' seem to take me at least half an hour so I need things that are as simple and quick as humanly possible.

Any ideas of really, stupidly easy places to start? I think I need some sort of really simple meal plan that I can make really easily and stick to. It's slightly complicated by DH not being able to eat dairy and DD having a restricted diet due to autism, she'll eat a balanced diet though but of a very limited variety, like nuggets and burgers instead of 'real' meat and only carrots/peas/cauliflower/broccoli for veg for example.

Where should I start looking?

I’d start small and add something like a salad into your daily meal, or start the meal with one. Then there’s not lots to go off and it’s achievable.

I’ll often take half an hour on a Sunday morning to make soup for lunches for the week. Stash a couple in the freezer to mix it up.

so small changes.

1. https://farmstofeedus.org
   Scroll down to Database and view on something bigger than a phone screen. Could entirely change the way you shop, forever.

2. https://hodmedods.co.uk
   Just the best thing ever.

3. https://www.riverford.co.uk/seasonal-organic-boxes/organic-veg-boxes?srsltid=AfmBOop0Cpm1fGMKzus9wkpRkGQMrwHPJaln3ktkoQ_B7T-K3LtuXs3T
   Choose just what you want, whenever.

I agree to start small. Also I would think about what stops you eating healthy foods (is it time to plan and cook, is it because you are trying to eat things you don’t really like, is it because you can’t eat the same due to DC’s restricted diet or something else?). Once you’ve worked out what’s stopping you, make small changes that you can accommodate.

Maybe start with a healthy breakfast. Do you like porridge, granola, smoothies, or eggs? Or something else that’s more nutritious than what you’re currently eating?

Or buy some fresh soups for lunch. Easier than making your own and a decent option.

Agree with idea for soup for dinner, I switched in an evening meal for soup once a week in November and honestly feel like it made a difference. Now think of doing it twice a week during mid week and it's such a relief to not have to cook and more filling than I expected. Serve with a nice crusty roll maybe a slice of salmon or crap for example. Also planning one evening meal of a hot salad, roasted veggies and with a tasty dressing and croutons

En the nutritionist current Insta story is an online guide for 12 quid which I've been considering

I would not recommend eating crap with the soup. It would taste awful

First thing you need to do is get rid of the ready meals and stop buying the junk snacks. If they're in the cupboard you'll be tempted.

Healthy recipes don't have to be that time consuming, a tray bake with seasoned skinless chicken thighs or salmon and a pile of roasted veg is healthy, and takes a few mins to prep.

Veg soups are easy and freeze well. Casseroles that you can batch cook and freeze - add your favourite veggies, maybe some lentils.

Follow healthy foodies on Instagram for ideas - Em the nutritionist, dishing up health.

Also, don't try and do it all at once. Start by replacing things with healthier options.

@MattBerningerstrophywife made me chuckle, crab lol

Would be interested to hear what progress you’re making, @Quietplaces?

For a super simple course try

The Real Food Lifestyle Course - by the PHC.

It is available as a series of videos YouTube or in paper form as booklets on their website.