It happens to me all the time! I’m out and about and I wait until I’m starving and have no other choice than to grab my favorite go to fast food before my blood sugar plummets! Get me to the nearest burger joint ASAP, I need a burger and fries STAT! Not gonna lie, when it’s just me that needs to eat, I have the tendency to give in. (Hey, we all have our moments of weakness) But, when I have the kids with me, I always feel terrible about feeding them fast food. In case you haven’t seen this before, let me introduce you to the “Zombie Cheeseburger” One year on the kitchen counter and it looks as new as the day it was purchased! What are we putting in our bodies? (read the national post story here)
So, I thought I would share some tips on eating healthy on the go and it seems we all are always on the go!!
1. Always have snacks There are a ton of options here. Here’s some suggestions:
- pretzels
- crackers
- granola bars
- fruit
Just something easy to hold you over till you can get where you are going. I always carry some kind of snack in my car. I wish I would get better about remembering to keep snacks in my daugher’s diaper bag!
2. Plan ahead I know it is easier said than done! But, when you know you will be spending the day somewhere and your only food choices will be concession stand food, planning ahead will also save you money! Here are some easy ideas for portable food:
- Sandwiches with raw vegetables and hummus or guacamole. It really doesn’t get easier than that.
- Smoothies might also work for you since it’s not a lot of effort to throw fruits and vegetables in a blender.
- Falafels or other bean burgers are easy to find at your local grocery store. I would suggest bringing them and your pita or buns separate and building your pita or burger when you’re ready.
- Sushi or spring rolls can be an easy choice. No need to make perfectly cut sushi rolls, just throw in rice and veggies onto a sheet of seaweed, roll it up and you have what’s called a hand roll. Enjoy!
- Fruit parfaits are a favorite with my kiddos. The WholeSoy Company makes seriously yummy soy yogurt!! Yogurt, fruit, and granola…pretty sure you can’t go wrong!
- Potato, bean, and tofu salad are always easy and to make it even more portable, we load it up on bread or in a tortilla.
- Burritos with last nights rice and beans or basically anything you have on hand make an easy lunch on the go.
3. Know what’s around you It seems everyone is starting to offer at least 1 vegan option on their menu nowadays. It can take some calling around and visiting your local restaurants to learn what is available where but chain restaurants are even better about having veggie options. Click HERE for a list of chain restaurants and what they offer.
If you have no time to sit and eat, there are options at fast food chains too!! Burger King just announced it’s veggie burger!! ***Word of caution, fast food and restaurant choices are usually high in S.O.S. (Salt, Oil, Sugar) so take that into consideration when choosing to eat out.*** Vegan/vegetarian fast food is at least a better compromise than my go to burger and fries! When in doubt about what to order at a fast food chain, I break out my VegFast app. Check it out HERE.
If you are unsure of what your local restaurants offer, you can always be safe by thinking ethnic.
- Thai/Chinese/Vietnamese food- most restaurants can substitute meat with tofu.
- Mexican food- rice and beans can take the place of meat in most dishes. Veggie fajitas are a fave!
- Italian food- any kind of whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce.
- Japanese food- veggie rolls, miso soup, and edamame make a perfect meal.
4. Get your mind right Sometimes it is just mind over matter. If you don’t allow there to be any other choices, there won’t be!
Making good choices on the go may take extra effort but it is so worth it!!! Every meal is a chance to be a healthier you. Please let us know what some of your favorite on the go foods are!!!
Joyful Nutritionista 