Story by Angela Reeves
Chances are, you are busy. Honestly, who isn’t these days. When it comes time for meal preparation for the week, the thought of that may cause a lot of anxiety. Maybe you struggle with not wanting to eat fast food but break down on occasion because you don’t have time for anything else. Many food choices are made out of convenience to time, money and availability. Healthy eating is all about finding what works and building it into the routine for you and your family. It is a journey which looks different depending on your age, body chemistry, health and food preferences. If healthier eating is something you know you need to begin, making a few small changes can make a happier and healthier you.
The USDA offers these healthy eating tips:
• Everything you eat and drink matters
• The right mix can help you be healthier now and into the future.
• Focus on variety, amount, and nutrition.
• Choose foods and beverages with less saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
• Start with small changes to build healthier eating styles.
• Support healthy eating for everyone.
THE GOOD NEWS IS, Bowling Green has several options to help you begin. If you’d like to eat at home more, but the struggle is real with meal prepping, start with one of these local options to do the work for you.
Beet Box Produce
1217 Broadway Avenue
www.Beetboxproduce.com
Monday - Friday 10-6
Beet Box Produce delivers produce boxes and easy to heat, pre-cooked meals to your doorstep every week! Beet Box focuses on offering organic, Whole 30, paleo and bento box meal options for delivery, and in 2019 opened a retail store on Broadway offering the same options as well as a market of other healthy foods and their all-natural nut butter brand Gone Nuts.
To order, visit their website and sign up for the weekly deliveries. Each Tuesday an email is sent with the weekly menu, always changing to be fresh and fun. You can make changes until Thursday and then on Monday, meals for the week are on your doorstep. Healthy eating at the click of a button! Owner Michelle Darnall’s goal of bringing healthy, delicious food to your door at an affordable price, is about as easy as it gets to start your healthy eating journey.
Fuel Nutrition
760 Campbell Lane, Suite 103
www.fuelbg.com
Mon – Fri 8 – 7:30 | Sat 10-7:30 | Sun 12-4
The basis for Fuel Nutrition, started by owners, and BG native Josh Biggs and Kaitie Hart, is a healthy meal prep company combined with a full-scale supplement store, as well as offering some high-quality protein smoothies. “The idea is a one stop fitness shop for everyone who wants to just feel better about themselves and get in better shape all while being cost effective, fast and convenient,” said Josh. “We provide healthy meals at the price and time convenience of a drive through which allows you to make a great choice for your body and your wallet at the same time.” Fuel Nutrition knows convenience is key and are there for you to pick up, heat up, and eat up.
Fuel Nutrition is available for online ordering as well as delivery through Waitr. Meals range from $6 to $9.50 and are also available in bulk. Meal examples include protein pancakes, the popular cheeseburger or fajita chicken bowl, tacos, and steak or meatloaf meals to name a few. Each menu item comes labeled with calories and macronutrients, so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
The 30 Bird
1058 US 31W By-Pass (via the alley)
www.thethirtybird.com
Mon – Tues 11-2 | Wed - Thurs 11-6 Friday 11-2
After seeing dramatic results in virtually every aspect of their lives through completing a round of Whole 30, cofounders and sister in laws, Ann and Michelle Scott, wanted to help others make changes in their own lives. They realized the biggest hurdle was the prep work involved, so they decided to take that on for others.
The 30 Bird offers Whole30 coaching and Whole30 approved meals for purchase in the store or through pre ordering online for pickup on Wednesdays. Three to four menu items change weekly, with chicken salad, breakfast casserole, and acai bowls always available. Their purpose is to offer clean eating and make it easier for people to eat healthy. “I have always liked to cook and try new recipes,” said Ann. “I would take my mom’s recipes and convert them to Whole30 approved. But you don’t have to be doing Whole30 to come in. We offer delicious health conscious meals as well as products for people to cook at home themselves. I think people are getting smarter about healthy lifestyles and we are happy to be a part of it.”
HEALTHIER EATING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE AN ALL OR NOTHING proposition.
Try making a few steps in the right direction, like choosing a salad while eating out, selecting vegetables as a side item, or skipping on the desert. If you try to change everything all at once, it’s not as likely to stick. If you are looking to make healthier choices when eating out, try one of these local gems offering healthy options:
DONATO’S PIZZA – Love pizza? Try the “Vegan to Me” with gluten free crust, a vegan option that will have you questioning whether you shouldn’t switch to Vegan it’s so good! Other popular healthy options on the menu are the Chicken Spinach Mozzarella pizza and the Chicken Harvest Salad.
EL MAZATLÁN - Have you tried the Bartley Bowl yet? We know you’ll love it! Made with grilled chicken, rice, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic and served with tomatillo sauce.
GIGI’S CUPCAKES – If you’re craving sweets and aren’t ready to give it up, choose a gluten free cupcake from Gigi’s.
GRIFF’S DELI – Griff’s has a wide selection of healthy items including sandwiches, salads and wraps with quick order-at-the-counter service. Try the Santa Cruz or Veggie Wrap with a side of fruit, or the Greek Salad with grilled chicken.
SALADWORKS – With over 20 salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups to try you can’t go wrong here. As long as you watch the dressing you choose, you’re surrounded by healthy. Try the farmhouse salad with a cup of the spring vegetable soup for under 350 calories.
TOP OF THE HILL NUTRITION – Offers delicious meal replacement shakes with over 100 flavors to choose from, all under 250 calories with 25g of protein.
WILD EGGS – It’s no secret you can get your protein from many great egg dishes here. Try building your own omelet to stick with healthy ingredients and a side of fresh fruit, or the Farmers Market Skillet to get in your fresh vegetables. Make sure to ask for a gluten free menu if you prefer.
ZEST-JUICE FOR LIFE – Serves fresh, cold pressed fruit and vegetable juices. Now offering chlorophyll Water.