Eat Well on the Move
Traveling for work? Going on vacation? Running your kids from soccer game to violin practice? Being away from home is one of the most common nutritional challenges I hear about. There are a few things you can do to keep yourself healthy while you’re powering through your day. Just a few simple changes can make a big difference in your energy levels, as well as your overall health.
Before you head out:
Eat a Healthy Meal
Planning to be on the go for several hours? Eat something satisfying first so you don’t find yourself hungry and reaching for junk. When you plan your meals try to incorporate at least one cup of lean proteins, vegetables, carbs and fats.
Pack a snack or maybe even several
Things such as protein powder, nuts and seeds, edamame, fruit, veggies, hummus, granola bars and much more make great snacks to feed your small cravings so you don’t overindulge at your next meal.
On a Road Trip
Bring a picnic blanket and packed cooler so you have healthy food available when it’s time to eat and you’re not swinging through the drive thru every chance you get.
Pit Stops
Sometimes when you’re traveling the only food and drink options available are gas stations and convenience stores. This is not a big deal if you know what to avoid. When you’re in these kinds of places it’s hard to find the perfect food options but you can find pretty decent ones. Rather than grabbing a hotdog or fried chicken reach for a protein bar, pretzel, dried fruit or anything else along these lines. If you pair 1-2 proteins with 1-2 carbs and fats then you’ll be in good shape.
Taking flight
Most people don’t realize that you can bring your own food on planes as long as it’s not liquid. So sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, nuts, peanut butter, apples… they’re all fair game! Pack yourself a nice snack so you’re not stuck eating things you don’t enjoy or stuffing your face with things that are bad for your health.
Restaurants
If you often find yourself dining out that’s okay if you’re smart about it! When you see a meal that seems a little too big ask for the smaller portion or have them box up the other half. You can make pretty much any restaurant meal into something healthy if you make the right substitutions such as salads for fries and vegetables for heavier options.
Many of us have busy lives having us travel all over and making us feel as if we don’t have the time to feed our bodies. Hopefully now you realize that anything is possible with a little planning!
