Eating Well On The Go

You all know that a healthy, balanced diet is vital to your health. And you know the difference between healthier foods and the not-so-good stuff. Your body gently reminds you of it when you eat something you'd usually pass on. So, since you know the difference, you should have no problem eating well all the time, right? Well, not exactly. Between hectic work schedules, homework, soccer practice, walking the dog and commuting it's amazing that we actually have time to brush our teeth! Often, other tasks take precedence over food prep and good, wholesome food is replaced with easy and convenient. And without Fuel2Go, sometimes what we eat when we're on the go is sub-optimal.

Sadly, a typical diet on the run consists of whatever you can find at the nearest 7-11 or sugar-laden take-out food. According to research done by the USDA, Americans are eating on average about 1/3 of their meals away from home. I'd venture to say that it's even higher for some of us. While there are many restaurants offering "healthier" options on their menus, there's no telling whether these foods are in fact, that much better. Sauces and dressings used in salads and "healthy" dishes are known to contain MSG, artificial flavorings and sweeteners like sugar & high fructose corn syrup. Furthermore, few restaurants are serving up organic, hormone-free meat & dairy.

When it comes to eating high quality foods, something you should all strive for, most restaurant fare just doesn't cut it. The only way to ensure that your health is in your own hands is by preparing your own meals at home. Making meals ahead of time is not only good for your health, it'll keep your pockets happy. You may be surprised to hear that eating well doesn't mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Make A List And Go Grocery Shopping

Shopping List

1. Hummus
2. Crunchy veggies (snap peas, celery, broccoli, sweet red bell pepper, carrots, cucumber)
3. Eggs
4. Nut butters (almond, peanut, cashew)
5. Nori sheets (used for sushi rolls)
6. Salsa
7. Avocado
8. Organic corn tortillas
9. Whole wheat pita bread
10. Whole grain or sprouted bread
11. Fresh fruit (apple, orange, grapefruit, cantaloupe, berries, pear, grape)
12. Organic cheese (string cheese or regular)
13. Plain yogurt
14. Raw nuts & seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, almond, pecan, macadamia, brazil nut, walnut, pistachio)
15. Tomato (cherry, vine, grape)
16. Grain Mustard
17. Balsamic vinegar
18. Olive oil
19. Deli meat (turkey, pastrami, ham, roast beef, salami, chicken)
20. Tuna/Salmon, canned
21. Lemons & limes
22. Pickles
22. Salad greens (spinach, romaine, spring mix)

Plan Ahead, Save Time

1. Wash & chop crunchy veggies ahead of time and store them in portable containers in your refrigerator so that you can just grab them and go.
2. Make a large batch of tuna salad to have for a few days.
3. Boil some eggs and keep them in the fridge for future snacks.
4. Dedicate some time to prep your snacks & lunches for your week--Sunday afternoon is a great time.

Menu

Breakfast
1. 2-4 eggs scrambled with spinach and topped with chopped tomatoes and cheese or sliced avocado. Served with a cup of strawberries.
2. 1 cup yogurt topped with walnuts and raspberries and cinnamon.
3. Breakfast burrito- eggs, black beans, salsa and avocado rolled up in a Nori sheet.

Lunch/Dinner
1. Whole wheat pita with mustard, fresh spinach, chicken, thinly sliced onions, and pickles.
2. Tuna or Salmon salad on a bed of mixed greens. Served with a piece of fresh fruit for dessert.
3. Ground turkey or beef tacos with corn tortillas, salsa & guacamole
4. Roasted veggies served with fish, chicken or beef. Served with a handful of cherries for dessert.

Snacks
1. Handful of raw nuts
2. A piece of fresh fruit with 2-3 slices of cheese
3. Crunchy veggies with hummus or nut butter & 2-3 slices of deli meat
4. 2 hard boiled eggs with 1 piece of whole grain bread
5. Guacamole or cream cheese rolled up in sliced deli-meat

Got some killer snack or lunch ideas? Share them in the comments.