Healthy Eating Tip
Healthy Eating Tip Healthy Eating On the Go More and more often, families are finding themselves “on the go” which can make it seem difficult to eat healthy, nutritious foods. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 48% of the money spent on food in this country pays for meals eaten away from home. During busier days, families find themselves in need of energy to keep up with their schedules, often finding themselves choosing options that are high in fat, sugar, and calories. However, eating out does not have to sabotage your healthy diet. There are many ways to incorporate healthier eating. See below for smart eating strategies you can take with you on the go!
Preparation – Pack snacks ahead of time. If you know you have a busy schedule or a long trip planned in the car, pack healthy snacks and drinks in a cooler or lunch tote before you leave the house. Choose foods with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Try water, fresh fruit or veggies, trail mix, whole grain crackers, or whole grain cereal in pre-portioned snack bags.
Choosing a Restaurant – Have a Plan. Familiarize yourself with restaurants where you will be traveling that provide healthy options. Many restaurants make their nutrition information available on their website or in a brochure that you can pick up at the store. Choose restaurants that allow you to substitute French fries or a high calorie side item for a salad or fruit cup, or remove cheese & mayo and add mustard on a burger.
From Corporate Fitness Works Registered Dietitian, Alena Pursell Corporate Fitness Works, Inc.
Healthy Eating Continued… At many sit-down restaurants, often times, healthier options are designated on the menu with calorie listings or other designations. Don’t be afraid to ask for items to be prepared in a healthier way. For example, ask for grilled or baked option as well as ask for salad dressing “on the side”. Many restaurants serve large portions. Don’t be afraid to ask for half of your entrée “to go” before it even hits your plate.
Convenience Store Stops – Read the labels. Stopping at convenience stores can lead to unhealthy choices if you are not paying attention. Choose snacks and beverages that are lower in calories(
Preparation – Pack snacks ahead of time. If you know you have a busy schedule or a long trip planned in the car, pack healthy snacks and drinks in a cooler or lunch tote before you leave the house. Choose foods with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Try water, fresh fruit or veggies, trail mix, whole grain crackers, or whole grain cereal in pre-portioned snack bags.
Choosing a Restaurant – Have a Plan. Familiarize yourself with restaurants where you will be traveling that provide healthy options. Many restaurants make their nutrition information available on their website or in a brochure that you can pick up at the store. Choose restaurants that allow you to substitute French fries or a high calorie side item for a salad or fruit cup, or remove cheese & mayo and add mustard on a burger.
From Corporate Fitness Works Registered Dietitian, Alena Pursell Corporate Fitness Works, Inc.
Healthy Eating Continued… At many sit-down restaurants, often times, healthier options are designated on the menu with calorie listings or other designations. Don’t be afraid to ask for items to be prepared in a healthier way. For example, ask for grilled or baked option as well as ask for salad dressing “on the side”. Many restaurants serve large portions. Don’t be afraid to ask for half of your entrée “to go” before it even hits your plate.
Convenience Store Stops – Read the labels. Stopping at convenience stores can lead to unhealthy choices if you are not paying attention. Choose snacks and beverages that are lower in calories(
