If you're reading this, you'll know my recipes are not about living on birdseed. In fact, quite the opposite - I love to partake in all the usual indulgences - just as long as the ingredients are working to nourish my body.

I'm a big believer in cooking food from scratch, using as little as possible for jars, cans and packets. However, with the silly season upon us I'm seriously lacking in the time department. Holiday events, meetings, business planning for 2015 are piling up, and I seem to spend ever-more time down the rabbit holes of pinterest and instagram as i'm lured in by beautiful photography and mouth-watering ideas.

 

When time is not on your side, it's much more likely that your nutrition will take a hit. Christmas is a time for eating a foods less nutritious than your usual, and eating out a whole lot more - with little control over portion size.

It's nothing to beat yourself up over, it's a time to enjoy, but there are ways to minimise the impact of the holiday season on your diet.

Check out my previous blog posts on mindless snacking and meal prep to help you navigate Christmas without piling on the pounds.

While it's all well and good me telling you to cook in batches and only buy healthy food in the supermarket, sometimes time constraints make even that unrealistic.

TIME SAVING TIPS:

So whats the answer? Check out my top time-saving tips for navigating the christmas period:

1. No-bake Food

Stick to simple food that doesn't require ANY cooking:

• Pre-cooked prawns
• Smoked fish - salmon / trout
• Veggie sticks
• Yoghurt - plain, greek
• Salads
• Cooked meat - turkey / chicken (no added salt versions)
• Low-sugar protein balls and bars - look for 100% natural ingredients
• Nuts + seeds - raw, unsalted
• White cheeses - cottage cheese / goats / ricotta
• Fruit

2. Order groceries online

If your already familiar with food labels and have some go-to brands you know and trust for their quality products, just order your food online. I love artisan grocers Butler & Bentley who stock a fabulous range of fresh food and even have a huge healthy food category. Think cold-pressed juices, fresh almond milks, raw chocolate, organic fruit, and sustainable seafood...not to mention the best eye fillet I have ever eaten. Yum!

 

3. Healthy meal delivery

Dineamic is my go-to when I'm really low on time. They create their own pre prepared meals with the help of an Australian's leading sports dietitian, to help you 'eat like an athlete at home'. Their menu includes soups, risottos, curries and breakfast options (featured image: Dineamic Beetroot & Pomegranate Soup). They cater for all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences including low carb, high protein, fructose free, gluten free and more. Great to keep in your freezer for hectic days.

4. Buy in bulk

While it makes sense from a financial perspective, it also means you don't have to make endless trips to the supermarket. If you're anything like me, a quick trip to the supermarket (usually daily) takes in excess of 30 minutes - that's more than 3 hours a week! Instead, hit your butchers and fishmongers for supplies, and freeze in single portions ready for the christmas shut-down period.

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What do you do to make healthy eating more convenient during busy periods?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a happy, healthy Christmas Fitties.