Living on the go seems to be the norm these days and the food industry has taken note. Between breakfast bars, frozen dinners and fast food restaurants, there are countless ways to eat a full meal in under three minutes. Unfortunately, these quick and easy options can harm our wellbeing, mental state and energy levels. What’s great to know, however, is that there are so many simple ways to eat well on the go in a way the supports your health and doesn’t deplete it.
1. Find high quality, nutrient dense snacks that you enjoy
I’m a huge fan of lots of different fruits, hummus and dips, celery and almond butter, nut mixes, raw bars, and kettle corn. Spend some time shopping around, and look for things with low sugar (and no high fructose corn syrup) and few ingredients. Foods and bars that are packed with sugar and artificial ingredients are an attack on your system and are terrible for your skin. Whole foods are your best bet for a good source of energy, and help tide you over until your next meal.
2. Stock your gym bag, desk, purse, and car
Being prepared for when hunger strikes is the biggest part of the battle when it comes to eating well. When you’re stocked with things you enjoy in convenient places, it prevents you from making poor decisions based on your hunger pains.
3. Keep water with you at all times
A lot of time we mistake thirst for hunger so we eat when we’re not actually hungry, and then wonder why nothing is satisfying. Staying hydrated is essential for so many reasons. By always drinking fresh, clean water you’ll support your overall health and will have a better understanding of when you’re actually hungry.
4. Make big salads and whole grains that keep well
Buy crunchy veggies and beans that will keep well for a few days in a container. You can also make a big batch of wild rice, quinoa, or farro to keep as well. Make smaller containers to go for work, and use them as a healthy side for dinners or even breakfast.
5. Cut veggies right when you get home form the market
Prep all your food right when you get home from the supermarket and store them in containers so they’ll be ready to access quickly when you are cooking or need a snack to go.
6. Be prepared for eating out
Eating out is a great way to relax, meet people, and spend time with friends, but can be a source of anxiety for those who are trying to eat well.
First of all, don’t let the bread hit your table. It’s so hard to stop once you start, and those empty calories will just take away from your meal.
If you can, try and avoid looking at the menu and getting tempted by foods you’re going to regret eating later. Instead, ask your server what fish or meat they have simply done (if you eat animals), and what veggies for sides they have. You can also ask about salads that are packed with veggies, or do a veggie burger or sandwich on lettuce instead of bread.
Since most places serve well over a portion reasonable for one person to eat, sharing with a friend is a great option. Most places will split dishes and it this will prevent you from getting overly full.
As for desert, I try and keep something at home that I have to look forward to so that I don’t get tempted by a huge piece of cheesecake on the desert menu. It helps to know you have something waiting for you and will give your body a little time to digest your meal.
By incorporating these practices into your routine it should make eating well more accessible, and if you do slip up you’ll have a good supportive regimen to fall back onto.
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