Eating Clean On-The-Go

How to Eat Clean On-The-Go

Now that summer is in full swing, my schedule has changed drastically from a class-work-home routine to a more varied, unpredictable routine. I have found that it can be very challenging to continue eating healthy, nutritious foods while commuting to my summer class, working, and preparing for a national pageant. For many families like mine who seem to only become busier in the summer with work, camps and activities, traveling, and more, it can be difficult to maintain a consistently healthy diet on-the-go. Although it is easy to drive through a fast food restaurant or run by a convenience store for a meal or quick snack on the go, regular consumption of these high calorie, low nutrient density foods will wreak havoc on your diet. With the skyrocketing heat and humidity of the upcoming summer months, it is more important than ever to make sure that you are properly fueling and hydrating your body every day.

Here are some tips for eating clean on-the-go:

Pack a lunch box with snacks and drinks, and take it wherever you go.

My little gray lunch box and I are best friends. We go everywhere together, every day. And although I am sometimes teased by my classmates and peers for being "the girl with the lunch box," I never need to stop at a restaurant or vending machine when I get hungry. Every morning, I pack my lunch box with snacks, water bottles, and meals (if I'll be gone all day). With my lunch box handy, I always have healthy foods within arm's reach if I get hungry throughout the day. The lunch box technique also helps me save money on extra food throughout the day.

Invest in a refillable water bottle. Introduce said water bottle to your lunch box, and take them both wherever you go.

This tip is especially important during the summer. If you don't already have one, purchase a sturdy, high-quality refillable water bottle and make sure to fill it several times per day to stay hydrated on-the-go. This will help you save money (water is usually free and disposable plastic water bottles definitely aren't) and reduce your carbon footprint (less plastic used=happy earth).

If you do go to a restaurant, make healthy, nutritious choices.

Whether you're on vacation or traveling around your hometown, it is important to choose healthy options when you eat out. Many restaurants, even quick service restaurants, offer healthier options that will fill you up without destroying your diet. Choose foods with fruits/vegetables, lean protein, and healthy carbohydrates to make a well-rounded meal that will help you properly refuel your body (helpful hint: if it's on the dollar menu, it probably isn't very nutritious).

Don't take a vacation from exercise.

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you should take a vacation from staying fit and healthy! If you're traveling or out of town, make sure to schedule time to exercise every day. Many hotels and resorts have great fitness facilities and can even offer suggestions on walking/running/biking/hiking options in the area, so there is no excuse for abstaining from exercise during your vacation. Even a few minutes of cardiovascular exercise or strength training will be beneficial to your health. And exercise gives you a great dose of endorphins, which will make you even more content while you're relaxing on vacation.