When you’re constantly on the move, it can be easy to fall into the pattern of eating fast food or processed snacks. They’re convenient, tasty, and cheap. Processed and sugary meals should be treated more as a special treat to indulge in now and then: it’s never a good sign when they represent the basis of your entire diet. There are plenty of ways to eat healthy, even when you’re busy. Even if you have a hectic lifestyle, there are plenty of steps you can take to make sure you cut back on processed foods and treat your body to what it deserves.
1. Make grab-and-go snacks.
We all love things that are easy to grab in a hurry: it’s what makes snagging a bag of chips easier than making a sandwich if you’re rushing out the door. If you spend a little time prepping in advance and incorporate fruits and vegetables into your snacking, you can establish a routine of eating healthy grab-and-go food that is just as convenient.
Some ideas are:
- Trail mix
- Carrot and celery sticks with hummus
- Rice cakes
- Yogourt or Kefir with fresh or frozen berries
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- Homemade granola bars
While all those foods require prep work in advance to some degree, never forget that you can always snag an apple, some carrots, or most fruit/vegetables as your leaving the house and eat it as quickly as you would open a bag of chips.
2. Stay hydrated when you can’t eat.
Even if we try our hardest, sometimes it’s still hard to find enough time to eat throughout the workday. While fueling your body is always the number one priority, keeping it hydrated is also very important. Keep a refillable water bottle on you at all times. Drinking water helps curb hunger, so you’ll be less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks. While you don’t want water replacing your full meals, it can be a valuable substitute for mild cravings during the day.
3. Be choosey when eating out.
Sometimes eating out is the only option, especially if you frequently travel on business. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to eat out and still eat healthily. Pay attention to portion sizes. Many meals are enough to feed two people, so consider sharing a meal or splitting it in half to eat the rest later. When scanning a menu, focus on lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that are fried or full of extra fat and calories. You must remain conscious of both what’s in the meal and how it’s being cooked to sustain a healthy eating habit when constantly eating out.
4. Carve out time for eating.
Some of us simply won’t eat unless we are reminded. If you’re one of those who consistently prioritize work before eating, put a reminder in your phone to eat three meals per day. It’s imperative to give some priority also to healthy eating so that eventually, it will become a regular part of your routine without the need for reminders.