Are you having a fun-filled and busy summer so far? I don't know about fun (so far for me, at least), but mine has been filled with busyness! Between wedding planning, training my new dog, and putting the finishing touches on a kitchen remodel that's 6 months in the making, I've been running (ok, not literally) here and there and almost never have a moment's rest. Sound familiar?
Trouble is, all these to-dos make it harder to do other things—like eating healthy and exercising. If you have many other things going on, you don't have as much time to cook. If you're running errands at warp speed, you may feel like you have no choice but to rely on convenience foods or fast food.
We've all been there, and many of us have had to come up with creative ways to make our healthy habits fit into our hectic lives. Here are some of the strategies I use to eat healthy even when I'm on the go.
- Think ahead. It's not always feasible, but a little planning can go a long way. If you know you're going to be away from home for a long stretch, traveling by car or at the airport, or at an event that interferes with your normal eating routine, come up with a plan. Whether you're toting some carrot sticks, a simple PB&J on whole wheat, or a convenient energy bar, plan for hunger and bring a few options along. One of my staple snacks is nuts. I like roasted, salt free nuts (thanks to Trader Joe's, they're cheap and delicious!) because they pack healthy fats and protein in a convenient package that really keeps my hunger at bay. Because portion control is so important when snacking, be sure to measure, weigh and portion out your snacks into their own convenient containers (like these ones from the SparkPeople store). Stock a few options in the fridge, in your car (provided they're not perishable!), in your purse/briefcase, and at the office and hunger will never get the best of you. For more portable snacking tips, read this article.
- Pack a lunch. Even if you're too busy to cook a full meal, you can pack a quick and simple lunch that saves time, money and keeps the drive-thru from beckoning. A quick sandwich with a side of veggies and a piece of fruit isn't just child's play—it's healthy for us "big kids," too. OK, so it's not a gourmet meal, but it won't derail your diet like going too long without food can. Simple packed lunches can be ready in 10 minutes and kept cool and safe in a lunch cooler (like this one for $10). Make sure you have all the tools you need to get the job done. Sometimes a few new food products make it easy—and dare I say, fun?—to prepare your meals. I like this Smart Portion Lunch Kit ($18.99) because it helps with portion control and is easy to use. Another plus: Even if you're too stressed to think about your meals the rest of the day, at least you'll have eaten a healthful lunch!
- Look up nutrition facts. The easiest way to deal with restaurant foods is to know what you can order before you arrive. Check out SparkPeople's Dining Out Guide for healthy meal ideas for the nation's top chains—but don't wait until you're in the parking lot and then panic! Even before you find yourself staring at a menu, it's a great idea to look up and memorize just a couple menu items from national chains. That way, when you're unexpectedly faced with fast food, for example, you'll already have a few smart picks in mind that you can order. What are you waiting for? Find a few dishes now!
- Bring your bottle. I love my reusable water bottle and I take it with me just about everywhere I go. This helps me stay hydrated and cool during the summer and I never have to waste a buck on a bottled water from a convenience mart (hey, that saves time by not making another stop, too!). SparkPeople's stainless steel bottles ($13) come in three fun colors (I'm partial to the green myself) and can be refilled again and again. It's a great investment for your wallet, your busy schedule, and your health!
- Count on quick recipes. Sure, cooking meals at home is usually better for us, but you don't have to slave over the stove to make it happen. Who wants to spend more time in a hot kitchen during the summer anyway? I eat a lot of salads in the summer because they're fast and don't require me to turn on my stove. Check out SparkRecipes.com and start compiling a list of quick recipes and no-cook recipes that will help you eat healthy when you're short on time—or when it's literally too hot in the kitchen.
How do you eat healthy when you're on-the-go during the summer? Share your best tip below!
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