3 Easy Ways
to
Eat Healthy On The Go
Tis the season of endless errands and a great anticipation of the feasts to come! This combination can leave us less than merry when it’s all said and done. With such busy schedules, there is almost no time to cook meals let alone make sure they are healthy! Today I want to give you some tips for eating healthy on the go.
The key to eating healthy on the go:
Pause and Plan.
The time it takes to plan for and prepare even a very quick meal or snack may feel like an interruption or just another item on the To-Do List. I want you to remind yourself of these 3 things:
- You are worth the time it takes to nourish your body.
- By taking care of yourself, you can better care for those you love.
- If you want to enjoy life start with your well being. You will ultimately be able to enjoy more of life when you are healthy.
This is your challenge, PAUSE.
Choose one of the ideas listed to help you through this busy season. As you press pause on all your other busy activities, use the prep time for your meals or snacks as a time to remember how valuable you are. You are priceless. Treat yourself that way.
1.) Grab & Go – keep snacks with you
- Pause and then…
- Wash, cut and pack your veggies/fruits as soon as you get them home.
- Do this for other snacks you take on the go as well. Pre-pack cheese cubes, pretzels, popcorn, etc.
2.) Be a Healthy Hunter – fast food can be a part of the plan
- Pause and then…
- Take time to look at the Menu. Healthy options aren’t always advertised in big pictures or words.
- Avoid words like: “Crispy, Fried, Batter Dipped and Loaded.” Look for “Grilled” and “Baked” options or salads, baked potatoes, apple slices, non-creamy soups at fast food restaurants. At convenience stores, look for things like fruits, mixed nuts, yogurt, deli sandwiches or hard boiled eggs.
3.) No Fuss is a Must – pick easy meals to make at home
- Pause and then…
- Choose 10 meals you know you like or would try.
- Stock your kitchen with staple ingredients to make quick meals easy.
- Prep your veggies, beans and/or chicken once for the week to use as sides and toppings.
- Take advantage of veggies that are pre-cut such as frozen, chopped onions and jarred, minced garlic.
- Make your meals in advance and freeze to be quickly reheated later.
- Use crock pots to do the work for you while you’re away.
Meals in 10 Minutes or less
- Easy Quesadilla: use 2 tortillas, fill with veggies, beans, cheese and salsa then bake in oven at 350 for about 5-10 minutes.
- Steamed Potato: A potato in the microwave topped with veggies, beans, cheese or chili is a filling yet healthy option
- Omelette or Egg Sandwhich: fill with veggies, beans, cheese, salsa or spaghetti sauce.
- Hummus and Veggie Sandwich: If you want to avoid lunch meat, this is a great option. Add spinach for added nutrients, cucumber, peppers, tomato or cheese
Crock Pot Suppers
* You could make these all in one day and freeze them.
* These are all Gluten and Dairy Free
- Chicken Curry – Find the Recipe Here I Made this today and it only took me 20 minutes and is perfectly sweet and spicy!
- Chilli – Find the Recipe Here I use this recipe as a guide and adjust based on what I have available and our preferences. I skip the ground beef to save money and save time.
- Leek and Potato Soup- Find the Recipe Here From my Irish Pub Cooking cookbook. It doesn’t take long to make on the stove-top, but you could easily use this recipe for a crock pot as well.
When we understand the power there is in pausing to care for ourselves, our lives can be transformed. We must look past what we see in front of us and look towards what we hope for. Make choices today for what you hope for tomorrow. So put down the To-Do List and don’t underestimate the power of the pause. It may actually make you more pleased and more productive than plowing through with no end in sight.