We find ourselves juggling hectic work schedules, kids, errands, and personal times. We are running low on time after time is subtracted by daily commitments. Where do we find our time to prepare the grocery list using easy and healthy recipes? Short time is our scarcity good so we budget time carefully for optimal planning.

How can we be in charge of our demanding schedule? The secret is to make a weekly meal plan. Then a weekly meal is established and a list is formulated. Making a list helps prevent you from making an impulse purchase. The list will help you maneuver down the aisle like a breeze. His plan is more organized that those who walk into the grocery store unprepared may end up buying unnecessary things and not even having a set weekly meal.

What you need to know to avoid putting yourself on the list:

1. products containing partially hydrogenated oil and trans fatty acids

2. Packed with High Fructose Corn Syrup

3. Processed foods like white bread or bleached flour

4. prepackaged foods

5. fried food

6. caloric drink

Partially hydrogenated oil is banned in Europe because it is responsible for increasing cholesterol levels. The process removes essential fatty acids known as omega 3, 6 and 9 which are good for the heart. High fructose corn syrup is added to foods to improve flavor. It is the main reason in causing the obesity problem. The processed food strip removes the vitamins and minerals to make it more edible. Prepackaged foods are full of unnecessary sugar and sodium. Fried foods and caloric drinks are full of partially hydrogenated oil/trans fatty acids and high fructose corn syrup.

What you should have on your list:

1. Seasonal fruits and vegetables

2. Low to Medium Carb Glycemic Index

3. lean meat

4. foods rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9

It is best to buy vegetables and fruits that are in season. Foods that are in season are grown according to Mother Nature’s schedule that gives the best of vitamins and minerals. Organic fruits and vegetables are a plus as they are free of farmer-applied chemicals to prevent insect and weed problems. Vegetables and fruits harvested during the season taste better than those produced genetically.

You should look for meat that has been grass-fed because grass-fed animal is high in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is known to speed up weight loss. Choose white meat, as it is low in calories and fat and high in protein. Avoid dark meat as much as you can. Eat meat that is 90% fat or trim the fat. You should look for a free range animal because it does not contain chemicals.

Coffee and tea are fine as long as no honey or artificial sweetener is added. Diet soda is fine, but you’d be better off drinking 100 percent fruit juice. Take into account the caloric intake of 100% natural fruit juice. Drink alcohol moderately, maximum two per day. Alcohol is known to suppress your ability to burn fat.

It’s helpful to have a list of staples that are automated on the list. Facilitates planning. Make sure the staple consists of low to medium glycemic index (1-69) carbohydrates, fibrous vegetables, seasonal fruits, omega 3, 6 and 9, and a good amount of fish, skinless white meat and red meat lean. Be as diversified as possible to get as much of a variety of healthy benefits from food as possible. The variety of foods also promotes the thermic effect on the burning metabolism. It also makes your kitchen nice.

Arm yourself with the food list for prepared menus and you’ll find yourself in better control of your personal finances and schedule. A small change in menu planning can have a big impact on your health. Being organized is also a healthy benefit because you are less stressed and in control of your life. It is always wonderful to be able to prepare a wonderful meal that brings the family together. Always buy with established criteria to avoid analysis paralysis and your life will be much easier. Stewart Turcotte said it in his prime: “People who fail to plan plan to fail.”