Food is fuel. You need it for energy. When you don’t eat, you lose energy. It’s that simple. But today busy people find they do not always have time for meals. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to get your daily recommended nutrients if you don’t eat.

The daily nutrients are vital to the healthy functioning of all parts of your body. And although you may not notice when your body is running well, you certainly will notice when it starts to break down.

Good daily nutrition is the easiest way to achieve health and optimal performance. If you’re not an Olympic athlete, you may wonder what optimal performance means for you. Brain function, cognitive reasoning, attentiveness, memory, and moods are all affected by nutrition.

And the things you can’t see, including a healthy immune system, are directly related to what you eat as well. Your body needs a constant flow of energy to run smoothly, and eating regularly is crucial to that end.

Fitting It In

As with all successful endeavors, planning is the key. If you typically don’t have time for lunch, brown bag it and nibble when time allows. Energy bars, fruit, even a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich provides an adequate supply of nutrients to get you through the afternoon.

When you skip meals, you are more likely to overeat the wrong foods at the next opportunity. Skipping midday meals leads to unhealthy binge eating in the afternoon and at dinner. Skipping dinner often leads to a similar fate late at night, and sleeping on a full stomach has its own negative impacts.

If time is your problem, planning is the key. Make an effort to shop weekly and stock your pantry with ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare foods, such as whole-grain cereals and bread products, peanut butter, crackers, cheese, dried fruits, and nuts.

If you enjoy cooking, but are short on time, use your day off to prepare foods ahead of time. Chop herbs, onions, and vegetables and keep them in your freezer. Prepare sauces, and pre-portion meats. When you do cook, cook extra. Pre-portion meals and keep them in the freezer. When you’re busy, you’re more likely to eat if you have something ready to go than if you have to start from scratch.

To maintain a healthy eating schedule, routine is the key. Standardized menus may sound boring, but they make a lot of sense, especially if healthy eating is your goal. Shopping is easier and cheaper, and preparation becomes effortless.