7 Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go …

7 Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go …

Most days, I feel like I practically live in my car — commuting, driving my daughter to and from school, dance class, dental appointments, shopping… it never ends! While the gas prices alone are enough to make me loathe my on-the-go lifestyle, worse still is the junk I end up eating. But no more! I resolve to eat healthier, even while I’m running around. And here’s how! Here are 7 tips for healthy eating on the go!

1. Bag them ahead of time

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This is a tip I follow all the time. When I go to the grocery store, I buy loads of fresh fruits and veggies, then as soon as I get home, I wash them, cut them up, then put them in little containers or baggies. It’s a little work on the front end that saves loads of time and effort during the week. When I’m headed out the door, I grab a few baggies or containers, and go with a day’s worth of nutritious snacks.

2. Don’t buy junk

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It’s simple. If you don’t BUY junk food, you won’t be able to snack on it. So when you go to the grocery store, stock up on healthful options, like the pre-packaged 100-calorie snacks or (better yet) lots of fresh fruits and veggies, so you can make your own snack packs. Now you’re ready for healthy eating on the go, no matter what you’re craving that day.

3. Know what to choose from a vending machine

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Sometimes the urge for a snack strikes when you’re not prepared… and that vending machine down the hall beckons. As long as you know what to choose from that machine, you can still enjoy a snack without sacrificing your diet! Look for trail mix (without chocolate in it), pretzels, or baked chips. Avoid anything fried or anything overly sweet. See? Not bad at all!

4. Know your healthy fast food options

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I am completely addicted to fast food, but I still eat healthy on the go because I know what to order from their fat and calorie-rich menus. Most fast food places offer salads, which you can enjoy without the fried chicken or dressings on them. Even Taco Bell offers a healthier menu… oh, yum! Taco Bell!

5. Bring water, not soda

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Even if you’re drinking diet or zero-calorie soda, it’s still not as good for you as water. So stop carrying a bottle of soda with you, and choose a bottle of water instead! There are endless flavor additions you can use, too… I love the Crystal Light lemonade!

6. Keep a snack in your bag

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Backpacks, workbags, gym bags, handbags — all of these are the ideal place to stash a snack, so no matter where you are, or what you’re doing, you’re prepared for healthy eating on the go. I even keep a little something in my glove box!

7. Get an app!

Photo Credit: everydayhealth.com

Healthy eating — did you know there’s an app for that? Actually, there are hundreds of apps for that! Download a few free trials and see which works best for you before you buy one. Calorie counters, portion recommendations, menu, and more… the app options are endless!

Now that I’ve shared these healthy-eating-on-the-run tips with you, I promise to try and follow them myself! Do you have any other tips to share? I’m all ears!

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7 Superfoods to Add to your Diet …

7 Superfoods to Add to your Diet …

Numerous testimonies and such are given each year for various foods that are supposed to be excellent for you. Plenty of reputable studies exist showing the following foods to be beneficial in many ways. Here are 7 superfoods to add to your diet, whether you are trying to lose weight or just want to start eating healthier.

7. Eggs

For a healthy dose of 12 minerals and vitamins, eggs are the perfect source. They are very inexpensive and can be prepared in numerous ways. These compact protein-rich sources of nourishment also contain choline, which is excellent for maintaining brain function and keeping your memory sharp.

6. Blueberries

Most berries will provide you with lots of low-calorie goodness, but blueberries are at the top of the list for containing the most antioxidants. They are also very easy to obtain and sold at grocery stores during the winter too. These Wonder Berries have also shown potential for slowing down the aging process, aiding in the reduction of stomach fat, dissolve bad cholesterol, and improve digestion. Even though blueberries taste great when used in pies and pancakes, they are more beneficial when eaten fresh.

5. Whole grains

Wild rice, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, barley, whole wheat, and oats are all great whole grains to incorporate into your daily intake of foods. Plenty of breads and cereals are made from whole grains; even snacking on popcorn will give you a good dose. Whole grains also lower the risk factors for Type II diabetes.

4. Nuts

As a snack food, nuts are one of the easiest items to have on hand. They are high in fiber, fats that are good for your heart, protein, and antioxidants. With the large variety of nuts available at most grocery stores it should be easy to find at least one type that you enjoy. Pistachios even contain plant stanols, which are chemical compounds used to aid in the reduction of bad cholesterol. These compounds can help a person lower their cholesterol level by as much as 15 percent.

3. Beans

These tiny morsels are packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Mix these with rice and you’ll be able to get the perfect daily amount of protein. The soluble fiber in beans aids the body in waste elimination and makes you feel fuller longer. The insoluble fiber portion of beans reduces cholesterol levels, which is always a good thing whether you have heart issues already or not.

2. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids

Halibut, sardines, mackerel, salmon, lake trout, albacore tuna, and herring all are on the list of fish containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Grilling the fish will prevent any addition of unhealthy fats, which are often added to fish when it is fried. If you can’t tolerate fish, then try consuming lots of products with ground flaxseed in them. This is another great source of omega-3 fatty acid.

1. Yogurt

Plain yogurt is filled with calcium and helpful bacteria that aids the digestive system. Protein, potassium, and stanols can all be found in yogurt of all flavors. If you can’t stand the taste of plain yogurt, mix some honey with it or fresh fruit. Purchase plain yogurt that is fortified with vitamin D if possible. Try to stay away from yogurts with additional sugar or synthetic sweeteners.

I personally like all of the foods mentioned above. Out of this list, which of the 7 superfoods to add to your diet do you try to make sure to eat on a regular basis?

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