Nine Time-Saving Tips

This Daily Dish is part of a series on healthy eating for National Nutrition Month®
Think you don't have enough time to be on a diet? If you're serious about improving your health, you'll find the time. Besides, eating regular, healthy meals reduces stress and helps you manage your time better. For those still daunted by the idea of dieting, here are nine simple ways to get started on a new you:
1. Always keep a bag of prewashed salad greens on hand.
2. Cook up big meals once a week and save the leftovers.
3. Buy easy foods, like canned tuna, plain fat-free yogurt, or ready-made hummus.
4. Prepare chopped vegetables once a week and keep them in the fridge.
5. Keep a copy of the Foods to Enjoy/Avoid list on the fridge for "emergencies."
6. Can't fit in a trip to the gym? Get up from your desk during your lunch break and take a 20-minute walk.
7. Have a bag of nuts or a cheese stick available for "on-the-go" days.
8. When you go out to eat, take half your meal home to eat the next day.
9. Try the diet with a friend. Not only will you stick to it better, but you can each make half the week's meals and share with each other!