Healthy Eating On-the-Go

If you're like most people, you're busy. And when you're busy, food can be fast, too. So how do you eat healthy while living a busy lifestyle? It all comes down to understanding your options for healthy eating on-the-go.

When we eat on-the-go, it’s easy to miss important nutrients. Probably one of the main food categories missed are fruits and vegetables. We’re supposed to get in nine servings of fruits and veggies per day. Most people are hovering at about 2.5! Fruits and vegetables are antioxidant powerhouses, so make sure to include them as often as possible. Eating fruits and vegetables on-the-go are actually the fastest of fast foods. There’s not much to crunching into an apple, peeling an orange, or even tossing a salad with your favourite dressing. There’s no cooking involved, yet on-the-goers tend to skimp on the fruits and veggies. Bring some veggies sticks along for the ride or find stores that carry grab and go salads.

When it comes to carbohydrates, it’s easier to eat processed carbohydrates on-the-go, because that’s what’s available in most convenience stores and restaurants. But whole grains are essential for lasting energy. Most fast food restaurants and grab and go snacks are full of processed, “white” carbohydrates. These foods give a quick energy boost that is short-lived and detract from our health.

Another common ingredient in fast food is unhealthy fat, namely trans fats. It’s important to focus on healthy fats because they help reduce inflammation in the body, improve brain health and mood, while satiating us so that we feel full rather than famished.

Finally, if you eat on-the-run, you may find yourself filling up with empty-calorie snacks that provide you short-term boosts of energy and few nutrients. Avoid fake fuel snacks that deplete your energy like caffeine, sugar, and processed foods. Caffeine may seem like it gives you an energy boost, but it doesn’t last long.