Many Americans are interested in making a healthy change in their lives. Eating well can be a difficult shift to make, especially if you’re used to fast food and frozen meals, but it isn’t impossible; unfortunately, this already tough change can be muddled even further by a busy schedule. Between work, family life, and other daily demands, finding the time to go grocery shopping or cook a healthy dinner can seem futile. Let’s take a look at some tips that can help you have your cake and eat it too — metaphorically, of course!

• Get rid of junk food. This may seem basic, but many people don’t consider the impact such a simple change can have. When you’re constantly on the run, snacking can become a crutch; since few people reach for raw veggies and hummus in such cases, you end up eating more junk food than you ever realized. By eliminating it as a choice to begin with, you’ll turn towards other healthier options out of necessity.
• Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time. It’s easy to abandon dinner after a busy day at work. To avoid the exhaustion that comes with cooking, give yourself some time during the weekend (or a day off) to prepare the weeks’ meals. Decide on two to four healthy food recipes and get everything ready; cooking these prepared meals rather than starting from scratch can seriously lessen the stress of dinner.
• Buy ingredients pre-chopped. Many quick meals and easy dinners can be made even quicker and easier if you skip the chopping process. Many vegetables come in pre-chopped options so you won’t be limited when it comes to making easy healthy meals. You may have to spend a little extra money for a little less food, but the time you’ll have saved will be completely worth it.

With approximately 80% of Americans failing to eat the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, unhealthiness is a serious problem in the United States. If you’re able to follow the above suggestions, you’ll find that your schedule is no longer holding you back from healthy living. Do your research, choose a few easy healthy meals, and prepare them in advance; you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.