Have you used time as an excuse to forego nutritious choices? Don't let your nutrition go out the door just because you're on the run, buried in the books, or stuck on campus. Instead, help keep your body running on full power with nutritious on-the-go meals and snacks. There are healthy choices everywhere that life takes us. It's up to you to make better options when the road puts you to the test. Gain the confidence to make healthy food choices the next time you step out the door by following these easy food hacks.
FUEL UP WITH BREAKFAST
Skipping breakfast can leave us feeling tired and distracted. Unfortunately, many of us skip out on this prime fueling opportunity. Nowadays, simply pouring milk over cereal can seem like a burden. Breakfast doesn't have to be a gourmet occasion every morning. The truth is… breakfast can actually be one of the fastest meals to prepare and can take little to no effort. Be sure to balance out your breakfast out by including a source from all of the macronutrient groups: protein, carbohydrate and fat.
- Prepare something the night before, then simply grab-and-go when the morning rush starts, such as chia pudding with milk or your favorite plant-based beverage.
- Substitute your typical breakfast foods for a sandwich with lean protein, such as turkey or chicken, or even last night's leftovers.
- Use quick, convenient cooking methods while doing your morning routine - toast a whole grain bagel, or simply add water and microwave a portable oatmeal bowl.
- Grab and go with a high protein bar or pre-packed hard-boiled eggs and an English muffin.
- Drink a glass of milk, bottled yogurt or juice. A quick something is better than nothing!
DON'T DENY YOURSELF OF SNACKS WHEN HUNGER STRIKES
Just because you're on-the-go doesn't mean you have to wait to eat until you return home. Unplanned snacks catch us at the worst times and usually end up straight from a vending machine. We may skip out entirely or use those unforeseen snacking occasions to reach for carbohydrate-focused and calorie-dense sweets. Don't override your hunger or settle for unfulfilling snacks, just plan for it.
- Take time in the beginning of each week to prepare or purchase pre-packaged, single-serve items that you can easily grab on the go, such as celery, cheese and crackers or pita paired with hummus.
- Have nonperishable, convenient items ready in your bag at all times like pretzels, almonds, popcorn or dried fruit.
- Grab whole fruits to go such as a banana, apple or orange.
- Add in convenient, indulgent protein-rich snacks that are portable and nutritious.