How to Eat Healthy On the Go

In a world where there is a tremendous amount of diversity, we all have one thing in common: Everyone is super busy. This is true all year long, but it seems to be especially true during the summer. We’ve got the regular stress of our work schedules and social calendars. We’d like to enjoy the summer weather more. If you’re a parent, your kids being home for the summer has likely thrown your routine a little out of whack. Maybe you’re planning a vacation, racking up some volunteer hours, or spending a lot of time tending your summer garden.

Whatever fills your schedule, I’d wager that it is, in fact, full. So this season seemed like a great opportunity to talk about eating healthy on the go.

When I’m starting to work with a new client, one of the most common excuses I hear is, “I’d like to eat healthy, but I’m just SO busy.” I get it—I’m a working mom and business owner, I travel all the time, and I’ve usually got a pretty full social calendar as well. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that eating nutritiously balanced meals when you’re on the move is always super easy, but I AM telling you that it’s possible if you want it badly enough. And actually, it’s really not as tough as you probably think it is.

So without any further ado, here are some of my favorite tips for eating healthy on the go.

Master the art of the MRFK.

If you’ve been a part of my community for long,  you’ve undoubtedly heard me expound on my love for the MRFK—that’s a Mobile Readiness Food Kit. Basically, your MRFK is a pre-prepped package that contains all the food and water you’ll need during the time you plan to be out.

Your MRFK can contain whatever you want, but here are a few of my favorite items: Trader Joe’s freeze dried fruit (because it contains no added sugar + covers your carbs), Epic Bars (for lots of protein), small quantities of nuts (healthy fats), protein shakes/bars, fresh fruits and veggies in little baggies or Tupperware packs, and of course, your favorite water bottle.

Take a breath and look at the menu.

Planning ahead is always preferable, but hey—maybe you got stuck somewhere and you just don’t have your MRFK this time. No need to panic! It’s actually pretty simple to find healthy options at most of your favorite restaurants. Take a moment to really look at the menu. Instead of ordering your go-to burger and fries, try a grilled chicken salad. If you’re somewhere that you can get salmon and veggies, that’s great. If you’re grabbing fast food, go with a grilled chicken sandwich, ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, and skip the bun.

Even if you don’t see healthy options on the menu, it’s usually possible to mix and match a la carte items to create a healthy choice. Be sure to smile, say please, and be kind to your server, but don’t feel bad asking for some accommodations!

BYO dish to barbecues.

If backyard barbecues play a big part in your summer fun, navigating food options can seem tricky. Realistically, though, most people won’t mind if you skip the hotdogs and explain that you’re focusing on your health. Simply ask your friends if you can bring something—then make that something a big salad, some turkey burgers, or marinated chicken breasts to slap on the grill. Bringing enough to share is a great way to make sure your gesture comes off as thoughtful instead of picky or rude.

If bringing food along isn’t an option for some reason, you can also plan on eating a healthy meal ahead of time. You’ll automatically eat lighter during the gathering because you won’t really be hungry. Your blood sugar will stay balanced, and you won’t veer too far off plan.

Know when to splurge.

If there’s a particular event or occasion that has you wanting to enjoy an off-plan meal, then go for it! Enjoy every single bite, ditch any guilt that tries to sneak its way in, and then go right back to your plan starting with your next meal.

If you read all that and still have questions, let’s connect! Leave me a note in the comments area below, or hop over to my Facebook Group, Never Diet Again, and grab my free Eat, Drink, & Be Healthy Guide.

Until next week, I hope these tips serve you well and that you’re living a life you love without being hungry, feeling deprived or giving up your glass of wine with dinner!