Eating Healthy On The Go!
by Taylor Smith, CHOP5 Wellness Blogger
Have you been trying to eat healthier but struggle to do so with your busy lifestyle? In today’s world, our schedules are packed and we are always on the go, with seemingly no time to pause and breathe. I know how difficult it can be to fuel your body with nutritious foods when you do not always have the luxury to meal prep or eat at home. As someone who has struggled through this dilemma herself, I’m here to give you tips to eat healthy on the go.
Tips to Eat Healthy On The Go
Be Mindful & Intentional
- Listen to your body—really ask yourself if you’re hungry or just wanting to eat out of emotion, like sadness, boredom or happiness?
- Think about how you want to feel after you eat—light or full?
- Do you want to eat something more nutritious or treat yourself?
- Do you have an activity/responsibility that needs fueling?
Plan Ahead
Before you go to bed, think about your day tomorrow—Do you have a super busy day? Do you need to pack a cooler with snacks/meal, or will you pick up food from a healthy restaurant?
Prepare
- Keep non-perishable/unrefrigerated snacks in your car, bag/backpack/purse, office, etc. in case you are hungry and need to fuel or do not have time to make/buy a nutritious meal.
- Know where healthy food options are close to home, school and work—-look up healthy options online or drive around the town!
- I suggest pre-picking a healthy meal that you would order at each place so you don’t have to waste time thinking and you can order ahead, so that your emotions don’t get the best of you in the moment!
- If you have a CHOP5 Salad Kitchen near you (with locations in Columbus and Orlando), you’re in luck as it revolves around fresh, healthy and nutritious meals, such as customizable chopped salads, bowls and wraps!
Healthy Snack Ideas On The Go
- Dried fruit
- Raisins
- Dates
- Figs
- Prunes
- Apricots
- Nuts (get ones without added sugar and minimal salt/seasonings!)
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Fruit (click here for a list of healthy fruit and its nutritional benefits!)
- Berries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Fruit that has a natural “carrying case” is super convenient to bring on the go!
- Apples
- Bananas
- Clementines
- Grapes
- Pears
- Berries
- A Vegetable Dipped in Hummus
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Bell peppers
- Healthy Protein Bar
- RXBAR
- KIND bar
- Granola bar with minimal to no sugar/ingredients (Trader Joe’s has yummy and simple, lower calorie options)
- Bobo’s Oat bar
- Yogurt
- Greek Yogurt (look for lower sugar options—plain, unflavored, lower-fat, higher-protein)
- Overnight Oats
Takeaways
Now that you have some tips on how to eat healthy on the go and some healthy snack ideas, I urge you to prioritize your health starting today! A little planning and mindfulness go a long way in helping you to make intentional and nutritious decisions to fuel you through your fast-paced, busy lifestyle.
