Despite our best intentions, healthy eating can often feel like more of a chore than a pleasure. With long working hours and busy family lives, it can be hard to find the time to prepare nutrient-rich meals from scratch. However, you can take a few simple shortcuts to get to that healthy lifestyle without taking up more time that you don't have.

Here's how to sneak in more healthy living via simple shortcuts to get you on track faster.

Cook simple foods in a batch

The problem with meal prep recipes is that while you and your family may love that meal the first night, it wears out its welcome on your table the rest of the week. Instead of making a giant portion that will wind up going to waste, cook foods in a simple way. Whatever you prepare, keep it simple so you can repurpose it in different ways throughout the week. Do this with veggies and grains, and you'll save on preparing dinner during the week while still eating healthy.

Keep your pantry and freezer ready

You can make anything when you have a stash of reliable ingredients handy. Canned beans, lentils, frozen shrimp, rice, canned tuna, and all sorts of kitchen staples should always be stocked. Don't forget your seasonings -- herbs add tons of flavor and nutrition to keep everything from being bland.

Throw in more vegetables

Soups and salads are a great way to boost veggie intake. When you make either one, throw in more vegetables than called for to boost nutrition. If you're using your oven to roast chicken, throw in a tray of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower to go along with it. Any chance you have to put more vegetables on the table, do it.

Take your own food

When you're on the go, it helps to bring your own healthy foods with you. Sometimes, it may be the only way to get a solid meal, like while on a plane. But in other cases, like road trips, it can save you from eating fried drive-thru fare. Make your own sandwiches, pack some nuts, and bring fruit. If you're away for a few days, stop by a local store to load your hotel fridge with a veggie tray with hummus for healthy snacks.

Know that it's okay to buy ready-made foods

Sometimes, you need to do what's best for your sanity. If you are exhausted from your day, the best thing you can do is pick up a ready-made meal. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the deli. Get some hummus and cut-up veggies. Even ready-made wraps filled with veggies, fresh broth-based soups, and other meals are a huge helper on busy days, and they are far healthier than the alternative.

By following these simple little shortcuts, you can stick to healthy living even when time is tight.

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