Tips For Healthy Eating On The Go

Many of us know the difficulty of trying to maintain healthy eating habits when we’re always on-the-go. A busy lifestyle that involves chasing after kids, fighting traffic or lots of travel makes it easy to be tempted by fast food and sugary snacks. But, just because you’re not at home doesn’t mean you have to eat foods that will leave you feeling tired, bloated or unsatisfied. Balancing a healthy diet with a busy lifestyle takes a bit of work and planning, but these five tips will make it easier to eat right and maintain that fast-paced lifestyle.

Don’t Skip Breakfast

When you’re in a hurry, it’s tempting to skip breakfast. But that morning meal will give you the energy to get through a busy day and help keep you from being so hungry by lunchtime that you grab the first thing available. A bit of planning ahead of time will make it easy to get a nutritious breakfast in a hurry. Make a big batch of oatmeal in the slow cooker and divide it into enough portions for the week. In the morning just heat it in the microwave and you have breakfast in under a minute. Or, portion and freeze fruits for a smoothie and toss them in the blender, pour in a travel cup and head out the door.

Plan Ahead

When your know your schedule is going to be hectic, preparing meals ahead of time that can be reheated in the oven or tossed in the Instant Pot can be a lifesaver. Do some of the prep work ahead of time. Chop vegetables or grill chicken and keep it on hand in the refrigerator or freezer will make it easy to pull a meal together in a few minutes.

Pack A Snack

If you know you’re going to be running around and won’t have a chance to sit down for a meal, you can plan ahead and throw a few prepackaged snacks in your bag so you’re ready when hunger strikes. Some good options include pre-cut vegetables, nuts, jerky, hummus with pretzels, or fruit. Having these options on hand in your refrigerator or pantry will make it easier to grab and go when you’re in a hurry. If you’re heading to the airport, most of these options will make it past security, so you won’t be forced to purchase overpriced convenience foods in the terminal.

Skip Fast Food Joints & Head To The Supermarket

If you’re on the road and you stop at a fast food restaurant, you’re limiting your options to the not-always-healthy items on their menu. If you stop at a grocery store instead, you have the entire store to choose from. You can load up on fruits and veggies, nuts, or other healthy options. Many supermarkets feature salad bars or deli counters, where you can build your own salad or get a cup of soup. However, if you do find yourself stuck at a fast food joint, there are several smartphone apps available that can help you make the best choice from the limited menu.

Drink Plenty Of Healthy Fluids

Believe it or not, symptoms of dehydration are often mistaken for hunger. So, you may think you’re craving that junk food, but your body is really asking you for a drink. Staying hydrated will also help you avoid symptoms of jet-lag, flush your body of toxins and help you avoid the bloated feeling sometimes experienced when traveling or not eating right. It’s always a good idea to have a refillable water bottle on hand, just make sure it’s empty before trying to go through airport security.

Healthy eating should be tailored to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. A little bit of planning to find solutions that work for you will help you make healthy eating a priority without rearranging your life.