Every time we have to make a decision during the day, we spend mental energy. All of that spent energy builds up and reduces your ability to make good quality decisions.
This is called decision fatigue.
Looking for ways to reduce the number of decisions you have to make can help preserve that mental energy you need for the choices that really matter. This is why Steve Jobs, for example, wore the same outfit every day. Why? It wasn't laziness. That was one less thing taxing the mental energy he needed for use elsewhere.
How can you apply that to nutrition?
Develop a foundation grocery list.
When I go to the store, I have my basic list of things I always buy. I don’t always use them the same way and eat the same meals day and night. These are just items that I know can always be used SOMEWHERE.
Bell Peppers are a good example of one of my go to items. I bring them home and cut them up so they are ready to be eaten as a snack or tossed into a meal. They are always there and ready to go.
For me the list looks like this:
- Bell Peppers
- Onions
- Bananas
- Chicken Breasts
- Power Greens
- Eggs
- Hummus
- Salsa
- Oranges (2 at a time)
If I have extra time and want to try a new recipe, I can always add those ingredients to the list. If I don’t have that time, I can easily go grab those staple items saving myself the extra effort of sitting down and planning a list. I can bank that mental energy for something more important.
What is on your list?