Are you constantly on the go and need a few tips to keep your meals healthy? Eating on the go doesn’t have to mean unhealthy fast food options; there are plenty of other alternatives to keep yourself fueled and healthy while going from place to place. Here are some tips to help maintain a healthy eating routine, no matter your location.
1. Keep Healthy Eating Simple When Busy
When life gets hectic and schedules become overwhelming, self-care often goes by the wayside. But being busy doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to healthy eating habits completely. There are plenty of simple strategies to keep your diet in check when time is limited and you’re on-the-go.
Start by stocking up on healthy staples. Keep a well-stocked fridge and pantry so you have quick and easy options available. Examples of healthy staples to have on hand include:
- Whole grains: oats, quinoa, couscous, bulgur, brown rice, etc.
- Legumes: black beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, etc.
- Vegetables: spinach, kale, bell peppers, beets, carrots, etc.
- Fruits: apples, oranges, avocados, bananas, etc.
These delicious ingredients can be used to make a wide range of snacks and meals. Pre-cook grains and legumes and keep them in the fridge so you can whip up things like grain salads, cold wraps, and Buddha bowls in minutes. Make a smoothie for breakfast with a blend of fruits and veggies. Roast vegetables to have as a side, snack, or add to a salad. Buy pre-chopped fruits and vegetables to make meal prepping easier and faster.
Another nifty trick to maintain healthy eating is wholegrain wraps and tortillas. Fill them with ingredients like hummus, grilled vegetables, grilled chicken, avocado, and microgreens. These tasty wraps are easy to take on-the-go and look just as impressive as they taste.
2. Ways to Eat Healthy Even When Out of the House
When you’re on the go, it can be difficult to make healthy food choices. Whether you’re at a fast food restaurant or a sit-down restaurant, chances are it’ll be hard to find healthy options. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of eating out and still be healthy:
- Pack a Snack: Before you leave the house, it’s a good idea to pack a healthy snack like a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or a healthy cereal bar. That way, if you can’t find anything healthy to eat at your destination, you’ve already got something on hand to munch on.
- Choose Grilled or Baked Foods: Whenever you can, choose grilled or baked options rather than fried versions. Choosing grilled chicken over fried chicken at a restaurant can make a big difference in your calorie and fat intake.
- Load Up on Veggies: Adding extra veggies to your plate can make it a healthier meal. If you’re at a fast food burger place, opt for a burger and pile on the lettuce, tomato, and onion. If you’re at a restaurant, order a salad or ask for extra mixed vegetables with your entrée.
Making healthy choices when eating out is possible with some smart decision-making. Whenever possible, choose fresh, natural, and organic foods. Avoid added sugars and unhealthy fats. If you’re at a restaurant, don’t be afraid to ask how food items are cooked or made. Knowing what’s put into your food is the best way to make sure you’re eating something healthy.
Healthy eating can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With some smart thinking and some wise choices, you can still be healthy even when you eat out!
3. Strategies for Healthy Eating On the Go
Eating healthily on-the-go can be challenging – especially considering our increasingly busy lives. However, with a few simple tips and strategies, you can develop the habit of eating nutritiously, regardless of whether you’re at home or on-the-go. Here are three tips to help you get started:
1. Keep Healthy Snacks On-Hand
Half the battle of eating healthily is having wholesome snacks readily available when hunger strikes. Set yourself up for success by stocking up on healthy food options like nuts, fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, and whole grain granola bars. That way, you can snack on the go without resorting to a less nutritive option.
2. Meal-Prepping Goes a Long Way
If you’re looking for a more substantive option than snacks, consider prepping a few meals in advance. That could be anything from grilled-chicken salads to protein-rich wraps. Simply store them in the fridge in reusable containers and they’ll be there when hunger strikes. Doing this regularly will help you avoid unhealthy fast-food options.
3. Have a Tailored Eating Plan
Taking the previous two tips into account, you should also create a plan that fits your lifestyle. It should include personalized nutrition goals, when you’ll meal-prep, and any whole-food options available in the areas you visit frequently. If you identify healthy snacks that you like, make sure to regularly take them with you. Ultimately, the key is not only to make healthy choices, but to be prepared for them.
4. Tips for Making Healthy Eating Easier While Traveling
Sometimes the thought of eating healthy while on a trip can be daunting. Though it may seem complicated, there are some steps you can take to help make it easier and more enjoyable. Here is a list of tips to consider.
- Pack snacks in advance. Stock up on some healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, or slices of fruits. This way, you’ll have something on hand you can grab when you’re out and about.
- Eat your main meals at home. If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental, you may be able to take advantage of a kitchen. That way, you can cook your own healthy meals from scratch and avoid eating out all the time
- Plan your meals beforehand. Before you embark on your trip, do a bit of research and see what healthy food options are available in the area. Look up restaurants with healthier alternatives. You can even print off some recipes and pack ingredients in the right quantities in advance.
- Choose wisely when dining out. If you’re eating at a restaurant, look for menu items with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Skip the buffet since it’s easy to make unhealthy choices and pile on the food.
It’s important to keep in mind that it’s ok to occasionally indulge in less healthy food. Don’t be hard on yourself a treat here and there won’t ruin your progress with your nutrition plan. Just try to stick to your nutrition goals as best as you can.
Eating healthy while on vacation doesn’t have to be a struggle, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Keeping the above tips in mind can help make it more manageable.
If you are on the road frequently, then make sure to stay mindful of your eating habits! With these tips for eating healthy while on the go, you can ensure that your health is at its best no matter how far you travel.
Bon Voyage!