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#ProdChat – 07/31/13 – Organizing for Healthy Meals

#ProdChat – 07/31/13 – Organizing for Healthy Meals

This week we discussed the important topic of organizing for healthy meals, as we all face the challenges of active lives and making sure that we are planning and preparing good food for ourselves and our families. For more information, check out http://www.letsmove.gov/eat-healthy.

  1. Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity chat! Topic: Organizing for Healthy Meals
  2. So, let’s start with introductions! In a tweet, tell us about you. #prodchat
  3. hi @rsidneysmith and everyone else on #prodchat! I’m Natalie, a productivity coach & academic.
  4. #prodchat xianfox here. Retail management. Bad at eating good. Chatting from the mall cafe court. #oops
  5. Q1: DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’VE GOT A HEALTHY DIET? WHY, OR WHY NOT? #prodchat
  6. Thinking about eating healthier for back-to-school? join us now for #prodchat –tonight’s topic: Organizing for Healthy Meals
  7. @xianfox How’re you? Hope the mall cafe court is treating you well! ;-) #prodchat
  8. A1: I think I have a pretty healthy diet…with the occasional digression to sweets within reason. :-) #prodchat
  9. A1: unhealthy diet here. Grueling days, short lunches if at all, and I’m tapped at the end of the day. Lots of processed food. #prodchat
  10. @rsidneysmith Hi there! Nice to have a chance to join you and #prodchat. Hope all is good in your world!
  11. @nmhouston I’m actually doing great, Natalie! Thanks for asking. It was a hairy two months but I’m back on track now. :-D #prodchat
  12. @rsidneysmith It “treated” me well tonight, bacon cheese fries. See what I mean? #prodchat
  13. @LoisMarketing Welcome, Lois! Great to have you, and likewise, I hope all is going well with you! Things are great here! :-) #prodchat
  14. A1 I eat clean 90% of the time, with a little wiggle room for occasional indulgences. #prodchat
  15. Yes I strive to maintain a healthy diet. My challenge is eating as regularly as I should! #prodchat A1
  16. @xianfox Yeah, I certainly see what you mean! Well, here’s hoping tonight’s #productivity chat is inspiring. :-) #prodchat
  17. Q2: DO YOU COOK MOST OF YOUR MEALS FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY? OR, DO YOU DINE OUT MOSTLY? WHY? #prodchat
  18. I’ve been #vegan for 22 years — & have food allergies — so eating healthfully is a priority for me. #prodchat
  19. @LoisMarketing I certainly understand that. Do you feel like you get lost in work and miss meals? #prodchat
  20. @nmhouston Yeah, I’m a pescetarian b/c of dietary restrictions (which are increasingly loosening thanks to probiotics)! #prodchat
  21. A2a: I am a big fan of cooking at home (even when I am traveling). Lots of whole foods, limited heating when on the road. #prodchat
  22. @rsidneysmith Yes, work schedule plus many times I’m just not hungry! :) #prodchat
  23. A2b: So, I eat a pescetarian diet…and strive for as many low-fat, high protein whole foods in my diet. #prodchat
  24. A2 I cook most of our meals — we eat out once or sometimes twice a week. Lots of good (and affordable) restaurants in Houston #prodchat
  25. I go out for meals perhaps 2x per week. I enjoy cooking and since I work from home it’s easy to grab something here! #prodchat A2
  26. @LoisMarketing I know the feeling. What I have learned is that to increase your healthy eating, you need more physical activity. #prodchat
  27. @LoisMarketing yes, I love my work at home days in part because it’s so easy to make tea or a snack whenever I want! #prodchat
  28. @rsidneysmith I am single so no kids and their picky eating to plan for — ha! I enjoy entertaining though. #prodchat A2
  29. @LoisMarketing Do you find that working at home makes it easier to eat healthier for you and your family? #prodchat
  30. +1 with activity, the body’s wisdom comes forth MT @rsidneysmith: to increase your healthy eating, you need more physical activity #prodchat
  31. @rsidneysmith Definitely! Amazing to stop and consider the savings — in dollars and in calories! — by eating at home. #prodchat
  32. @rsidneysmith Too much physical activity can be a bad thing tho. I need to find a way to keep some energy for the end of the day #prodchat
  33. @LoisMarketing LOL. I totally understand. Good re: entertaining! We’ll talk about eating with others later in the #prodchat! :-D
  34. @nmhouston I absolutely agree! Your body is the best means for feedback! #prodchat
  35. @xianfox For me, the key has been to monitor my blood sugar — not let it crash too low in between meals. Smaller healthy snacks #prodchat
  36. @xianfox I think that’s right…too much of anything is not advantageous. It’s about moderate activity, moderate eating. :-) #prodchat
  37. Q3: WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR *PLANNING* HEALTHY MEALS? DO YOU PLAN 3, 7 OR 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE? #prodchat
  38. I do not plan specific meals (except for guests) but I do like to cook ahead — especially meats/soups — and freeze meals #prodchat A3
  39. @LoisMarketing Yes! In another life, I was a pastry chef. In my retirement, I think I know where everyone will find me! #baking #prodchat
  40. @nmhouston The last 4 months I’ve replaced most soda with half-strength Gatorade. It’s helping but not enough. #prodchat
  41. @rsidneysmith That’s so interesting! We definitely need to chat more and compare notes :) #prodchat
  42. A3 I do most of my cooking on the weekend: big batch of soup, beans, etc — during the week just fix vegs, salad, to go with. #prodchat
  43. @nmhouston That is so smart! I do basically the same thing. I love my Crock Pot and put it to good use! #prodchat
  44. A3: B/c of my work/travel schedule, I don’t plan more than three days’ meals. But I shop for staples for several weeks at a time. #prodchat
  45. @xianfox limiting soda is a really good start! do you drink plain water, too? sometimes dehydration shows up as tiredness #prodchat
  46. A3: My wife prefers pasta, I need proteins, I can’t eat fish, she can’t have alcohol. She can bake while I can cook. Chaos. #prodchat
  47. Productivity Book Group: THIS SAT AUG 3, 12ET! Join us to discuss MAKING IT ALL WORK (Chs. 1-4) by @gtdguy!  http://goo.gl/CJ8kmQ tprodchat
  48. @nmhouston @xianfox Avid water drinker here :) I swear my ‘sippy cup’ is an appendage ;) #prodchat
  49. @nmhouston That’s fantastic! I used to do that when I was home most of the time. It’s a great way to plan ahead. #prodchat
  50. @LoisMarketing I am a big fan of the pressure cooker! super fast for beans, potatoes, etc don’t have a crock pot yet though #prodchat
  51. @LoisMarketing Oh my! I used to love using my crockpot. I think I’ll have to resume using it when I can in the fall. :) #prodchat
  52. @rsidneysmith I was sharing with friends that I enjoy using the Crock Pot year round :) Beats turning on the oven in summer! #prodchat
  53. @xianfox Do you and your wife use quinoa in your kitchen? I hear a marriage made in an ancient grain! ;-) #rhymed #prodchat
  54. @nmhouston The Gatorade was a first step to increasing water. I want to slowly replace it with water. #prodchat This wk I’ll make progress!
  55. @LoisMarketing That makes total sense from an energy, heat and #productivity perspective! Thinking cap = on! #prodchat
  56. @nmhouston I know you would enjoy a Crock Pot since you mentioned liking soups and stews. #prodchat
  57. @rsidneysmith I’ve turned several friends on to getting one and they’ve thanked me! #prodchat
  58. @LoisMarketing yes, even with AC in the house, I don’t use the oven between May and November here — just too hot #prodchat
  59. @rsidneysmith Never heard of it. I’ll have to do some research now. #ProdChat
  60. @xianfox When I’m away from my water filtering system, I buy little lemon or lime juice bottles and squirt a bit in my water. #prodchat
  61. #CrockPot RT @LoisMarketing: @rsidneysmith I’ve turned several friends on to getting one and they’ve thanked me! #prodchat
  62. Me too! MT @rsidneysmith: @xianfox I buy little lemon or lime juice bottles and squirt a bit in my water. #prodchat
  63. Q4: WHAT DO YOU USE TO MANAGE GROCERY SHOPPING / MEAL PLANNING? APPS? TOOLS? #prodchat
  64. Earlier this summer I got a countertop electric grill/griddle/panini press — been great to make tofu “steaks” and grilled veggies #prodchat
  65. For me it’s the trusty little shopping list pad on my fridge! :) I’ve yet to fully join the 21st century :) #prodchat A4
  66. @xianfox Every cell in your body benefits from better hydration. Try it and just see how you feel! #prodchat
  67. A4: Over the years, I’ve used spreadsheets and a variety of apps. Today, I use a combo of @rememberthemilk and PlainText app. #prodchat
  68. RT @LoisMarketing: For me it’s the trusty little shopping list pad on my fridge! :) I’ve yet to fully join the 21st century :) #prodchat A4
  69. @LoisMarketing me too, paper list on the fridge. And the fact that my partner does the shopping :) (fair division, since I cook) #prodchat
  70. I do write the shopping list mostly in the order of the store aisles, though — helps me and helps shop efficiently #prodchat
  71. @rsidneysmith @nmhouston I’m a good list keeper so a logical next step for me would be an app. Thx for the suggestions Ray #prodchat A4
  72. @nmhouston I learned that wonderful tip from my Mom. I do the same. Will jot down everything I need then organize it. #prodchat
  73. @LoisMarketing @nmhouston Agreed! In my last relationship, I did shopping, cooking and baking. Cleaning was NOT my chore! ;-) #prodchat
  74. @LoisMarketing Of course! :) And, with @rememberthemilk you can DM tweet grocery items directly to your list via @rtmilk I think! #prodchat
  75. Q5: HOW CAN YOU ENGAGE HEALTHY EATING AS A SOCIAL ACTIVITY TO INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY/MOTIVATION? #prodchat
  76. @LoisMarketing my mother actually had a pad printed with list of household items most commonly purchased. pre-computer days, too! #prodchat
  77. Most of my friends and family are very healthy eaters. We enjoy splurging too! #prodchat A5
  78. A5: social hurts in my house. That’s usually why we end up going out. Someone just has to decide. That’s the hardest. #prodchat
  79. I think it’s great for someone on a diet or having to adjust their diet to have friends’ encouragement #prodchat A5
  80. @nmhouston @LoisMarketing Yes, my PlainText app file is for my staples…everything I buy semimonthly or monthly. #prodchat
  81. RT @LoisMarketing: I think it’s great for someone on a diet or having to adjust their diet to have friends’ encouragement #prodchat A5
  82. A5: I think it can be great if there’s a family meeting and everyone agrees to eating healthier, individual and group goals. #prodchat
  83. @xianfox Is there a way for you to reframe the dialog at home to make it positive, fun and healthy? #prodchat
  84. @rsidneysmith For me, I find that nothing works better than good old fashioned post-it notes! I put them everywhere! #prodchat
  85. Keeping a food log, or sharing with a friend about what you’ve eaten, is a way to increase awareness/accountability #prodchat
  86. Tip for kids: Pack a healthy lunch that’s in fun shapes, colors, etc. I appreciate that a friend does that for her little girl #prodchat
  87. @nmhouston @xianfox I have a lot of medical problems & I can say that proper hydration makes a massive difference in my health. #prodchat
  88. RT @nmhouston: Keeping a food log, or sharing with a friend about what you’ve eaten, is a way to increase awareness/accountability #prodchat
  89. MT @ScarletRegina: For me, I find that nothing works better than good old fashioned post-it notes! I put them everywhere! #prodchat
  90. Re: social & family changes — baby steps are best! I always suggest first adding vegetables, before focusing on removing things #prodchat
  91. @nmhouston Grilled veggies are amazing. I’ve recently started roasting veggies more frequently, as well. #prodchat
  92. A gym and diet ‘buddy’ is great for someone launching a plan to eat healthier and become more active. #prodchat
  93. A gym and diet ‘buddy’ is great for someone launching a plan to eat healthier and become more active. #prodchat
  94. @rsidneysmith Haven’t found that magic yet. Maybe I’ll dig the slow cooker out and just start making the decisions. #prodchat Need recipes.
  95. hi @ScarletRegina — glad to see you here on #prodchat! & definitely agree about hydration & health
  96. @rsidneysmith When I lived in NYC, I used @FreshDirect. They were always wonderful & they have so many healthy options. #prodchat
  97. @nmhouston Glad to be here, even though I came in at the end of the party! #prodchat
  98. Q6: HOW DO YOU PHYSICALLY ORGANIZE YOUR KITCHEN/PANTRY/CUPBOARD TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR HEALTHY MEALS? #prodchat
  99. @rsidneysmith I love Amazon automated deliveries for supplements, certain packaged things, etc #prodchat
  100. @nmhouston Oh I love this concept. It’s about adding instead of depriving yourself. Smart way to shift the through process #prodchat
  101. @ScarletRegina Yes! I am thinking about @FreshDirect too but I’m buying mostly nonperishables because I travel for work. #prodchat
  102. @ScarletRegina You can always leave it to @nmhouston to have smart ways of approaching most things! ;-) #prodchat
  103. @rsidneysmith heh, I just keep the overly unhealthy stuff out of the pantry! I buy wheat thins/crackers instead of chips, etc… #prodchat
  104. It’s a great idea to have healthy snacks that are ready to eat (pre cut veggies, etc). More filling, less temptation! #prodchat A6
  105. A6: I keep fresh fruits and vegetables on the easiest to reach, most visible shelves in fridge and counters. #prodchat
  106. A6 healthy grab & eat foods are always at front of shelves: hummus, carrots, tortillas, nonfat canned refried beans, etc #prodchat
  107. I eat enough baby carrots that I should be orange. :) #prodchat A6
  108. I eat enough baby carrots that I should be orange. :) #prodchat A6
  109. Hahaha. Awesome. RT @ScarletRegina: @rsidneysmith I do keep “emergency” M&Ms on hand, however! #prodchat
  110. As @rsidneysmith suggested earlier flavoring water with lemon or lime juice is a great option to soda. #prodchat A6
  111. As @rsidneysmith suggested earlier flavoring water with lemon or lime juice is a great option to soda. #prodchat A6
  112. @LoisMarketing Yes! I keep frozen grapes around for when I have the munchies & want something sweet. #prodchat
  113. Also, the prewashed salad in a bag — more $, but we eat it faster, so it’s worth it, no wasted half head of lettuce #prodchat
  114. @nmhouston Oh my gosh, yes. I bought the pre-washed salad in a container a week ago & have eaten plenty of salad in the last week. #prodchat
  115. @nmhouston More expensive but otherwise I would not bother with making salad. #prodchat
  116. Once in a while, I assess everything I buy in the house and see if there are healthier but just as satisfying alternatives. #prodchat
  117. @nmhouston Yes — and precut veggies are more expensive but also encourage someone to start eating more of them #prodchat
  118. Here’s an idea I’m ‘addicted’ to now: Salads in a jar! #prodchat
  119. @LoisMarketing same with cut up fruit –we aren’t going to be able to eat a half watermelon, but a two cup container is perfect #prodchat
  120. A salad in a jar is great to grab-and-go plus it stays fresher longer #prodchat
  121. RT @LoisMarketing: Here’s an idea I’m ‘addicted’ to now: Salads in a jar! #prodchat
  122. I’m going to check this out! RT @LoisMarketing: A salad in a jar is great to grab-and-go plus it stays fresher longer #prodchat
  123. I like this idea. time to get a few mason jars. RT @LoisMarketing: Here’s an idea I’m ‘addicted’ to now: Salads in a jar! #prodchat
  124. And for packing healthy lunches, it’s all about having enough different sized containers. #prodchat
  125. Thanks #productivity enthusiasts for tonight’s #ProdChat! Join us again next week! Check out the transcript in the morning!
  126. thanks @rsidneysmith for hosting another excellent #prodchat! great ideas from everyone!
  127. Ditto. RT @nmhouston: thanks @rsidneysmith for hosting another excellent #prodchat! great ideas from everyone!
  128. I keep a drawer full of healthy goodies in fridge & a shelf in pantry. Kids & I pull from these to prep fast healthy lunches. #prodchat
  129. Next week on #ProdChat, we’ll be discussing “Digital Clutter” so join us on Wednesday at 8pm ET!  http://ow.ly/nwb7O 

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