Nebraska Extension in Knox County

Sticking to a new diet or exercise routine can be challenging. It is even more challenging to put in all of the hard work that goes along with dieting and exercise, and not feel like you are making progress. Whether you are stepping on those dreadful scales, or you are looking in the mirror, sometimes you feel like you are wasting your time. The problem may be the implementation of a diet or exercise program that is not suited for your body type, or the problem could be more biological. A slow metabolism may be contributing to your inability to lose weight. Metabolism is a collection of chemical reactions that take place in the body's cells. Metabolism converts the fuel in the food we eat, into the energy needed to power everything we do from moving to thinking to growing.

Properly planned meal preparation can help both your waist line and your budget. Meal preparation means food inventory, recipe research, grocery shopping, cooking, meal portioning, and storing your meals. Most families do the cooking, portioning, and storage on a daily basis. With proper planning, most of the cooking that you do all week long can be done in one day. Saving money, saving time, portion control, and attaining fitness goals can all be achieved by preparing meals ahead of time.