Many would agree that healthy meals for busy people seem difficult. While most of us know that eating healthy foods is a must, many are not aware of how this can be achieved. I understand that this is easier said than done, however the tips below should help you eat healthy and still have time to beat those deadlines or make those sales.

1. Don’t skip breakfast

Believe what your mom said. Breakfast is the most important dish of the day. If you’re in a hurry, a healthy option is the ever-reliable instant oatmeal. Simply pop the sachet in the microwave for 90 seconds and you’re sure to have a medium-heavy, high-fiber breakfast. Other healthy options for breakfast are yogurt, bananas or apples. Okay, you could do the popular Starbucks coffee breakfast, but make sure you get some bread. Ideally, your breakfast should be heavy to sustain your hectic morning, especially if you’re not getting ready to eat between treats (and ended up having a late lunch).

2. That elusive lunch

Make sure your lunch includes an excellent amount of protein. Recommended lunches that are not only healthy but also filling are sandwiches (tuna, chicken, and egg), vegetable soups, green salads, and stale bread. Combine them with healthy fruit juices like apple, orange or pineapple. Stay away from sweets, specifically soft drinks, as these will definitely make you crave sugar throughout the day. For those with a sweet tooth, why not have those canned fruit salads? Avoid fatty foods too. Sometimes you get them from gravy, extra cheese, or gravy.

3. Make time for afternoon tea

There is a long gap between lunch and dinner, so try to have a snack in the afternoon. You could have crackers with low-fat filling or nuts. Another alternative is your protein bar. You can get them at most grocery stores. Include a cup of tea for an extremely healthy snack. Ideally, don’t be too hungry before dinner, as this would simply tempt you to overeat. You need to control your cravings to avoid overeating, especially at night when you are less active.

4. Dinner: save the best for last

Many would recommend skipping dinner, however for busy, working people that is the saddest way to end the day. After long hours, stress at work, meetings and wandering around, all you want to do is enjoy a satisfying meal at the end of the day. The good news is that super could still be healthy. The secret is to eat a light dinner: salmon/chicken/grilled meat, vegetables and salads. Try to choose the leanest part of the meat, as the fat would defeat the purpose of having a light dinner. It’s also a good idea to include fiber in your dinner, so eat some fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber.

Keep in mind that the above are just suggestions that could hopefully help busy everyday people eat healthy. The awareness that something can be done is essential. Enjoy your healthy and satiating dishes.