Healthy Eating On the Go

Most of us live in a day-to-day hustle-- work, family, fun, you name it-- so making most of our time is important. Time is valuable and I’m sure we’d all like to set aside as much as we can for ourselves. One way we can do this is by making small changes in various aspects of our daily routines like how we eat. Every day, we eat and, in order to save time, we sometimes go for whatever is most convenient. However, doing that can be at the expense of our health, but it doesn’t need to be. If you are often on the go, choosing healthier options can even supply you with more energy to keep going throughout the day. So let’s go over just what healthier options you have-- without sacrificing time and convenience. Precision Nutrition suggests taking up meal planning and prep. If you can’t, they recommend having someone else do it for you. If you do have to eat out though, they provide some tips to stick to: -Look for protein (grilled chicken breast, lean beef, shrimp tuna, beans, etc.) -Look for veggies. Figure out how to add veggies to it — you can usually request a substitution (such as a side salad instead of fries) -Look at side dishes. Often you can assemble a pretty good meal from a few side orders, such as a single egg or a cup of fruit -Look at the appetizer menu. Try ordering a small item or two instead of a table-crushing platter of ribs -Soup and salad are filling, and most restaurants offer some variation Just making these small adjustments can make a world of difference. When I began doing these things I had more energy and a better mood. If that’s not enough to persuade you, then how about a reduced risk of getting diabetes or high cholesterol and blood pressure? “Healthy eating helps us to maintain a healthy weight and reduces our risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and some cancers,” according to Food in Care. “Healthy eating has many other benefits. When we eat well we sleep better, have more energy and better concentration – and this all adds up to healthier, happier lives!” That’s definitely enough for me. Cleveland Clinic also provides some hints when buying pre-cooked convenience foods available for purchase: -Limit cream-based sauces and soups -Limit entrees or meals with added condiments -Choose bean or vegetable-based meals, stews or soups with a clear sauce, marinade or broth -Remove any visible fat or skin from beef, pork, lamb, or poultry dishes -Choose salads with dressing on the side and remove excess cheese, croutons, bacon bits -Choose bean-based salads like pasta and lentils, spinach and pine nuts, hummus, tabouleh, stuffed grape leaves -Choose whole-grain buns, tortillas, bagels, pitas, and pasta entrees Stick to such foods and practice these tips in order to better your health without having to sacrifice any of your time to do so.