It can be hard to eat healthy at almost any time in your life, when tempting fast foods and delicious desserts call out to you everywhere you go. But when you’re busy, it can become even harder to make the right, healthy choices for eating. The McDonald’s drive-through is not exactly known for its healthy food choices, and in even busier times when the office vending machine is your only choice, the Snickers bar may have your name written on it. The good news is, though, that you can eat well no matter how busy you are. See below for some tips on how to eat healthy while on the go.
Buy healthy snacks and keep them everywhere. And everywhere means just that “ in your car, in your desk drawer at work, in your workout bag. Cereal bars and trail mix don’t need to be refrigerated, and can save your healthy eating plan during a busy rush. That box of instant oatmeal can give you a good breakfast instead of picking up a bacon and sausage muffin on your way in. Have a supply of fresh fruit and sliced vegetables on hand in your office fridge and in your home fridge as well. If you have healthy food around for those days when you’re too busy to eat, you avoid giving into unhealthy cravings.
Don’t keep unhealthy snacks around. Purge your home and office of any treats you may have around for snacking during busy times. Toss the potato chips, Fritos, candy bars and other food that may be easier for you to grab when you’re busy and starving. It’s much easier to avoid temptation when it’s not right in front of you. Only keep healthy food at your fingertips!
When you do have a little down time, prepare food. Take advantage of any down time you have to really prepare yourself for your busy times. Do a healthy grocery shop and then take time to bake a few chicken breasts, slice fruit and vegetables, and make up your own healthy version of trail mix. Cook a few healthy dishes that freeze well for a quick dinner when you’re busy, and make a large salad you can nosh from when on the run. If you have a little time at night, pack a lunch you can brown bag to work the next day.
If you have to go through the drive through for fast food, make smart choices. Every fast food chain has healthy choices. If you don’t want a salad, opt for grilled chicken or a cold sandwich made with ham or turkey (and lots of veggies). Avoid anything fried or breaded, and try to skip extras like cheese and bacon. Don’t order the chicken or egg or any kind of salad that is going to be loaded with mayonnaise. It is possible to eat healthy, even when you’re on the run.