Being out and about running errands around town is usually a simple task for me but on occasion I’m out longer than I planned with no snacks or meals with me. It’s left me scrambling for somewhere to eat in a hurry and unfortunately resulting in eating some unhealthy foods I normally wouldn’t eat. Well, since this has happened enough times I’ve learned a few things to help me make some healthy food choices.
Planning ahead – Of course this is the best case scenario when we plan ahead and take a few healthy snacks and water with us when we hit the road to go run errands or go shopping. Packing a cooler with oranges, apples, bananas, some hummus and veggies like celery, carrots and jicama will definitely pay off later. Include some healthy fats like walnuts or almonds.
Keep www.HealthyDiningFinder.com as a favorite. – This website provides information and locations of healthy recipes from a variety of restaurants around town. By having this website handy it could prove to be useful when we’re in a need to find some healthy food fast.
Head to the Grocery Store – If a local grocery store is near like a Vons, Ralphs, Sprouts, or Trader Joes grab things like yogurt and nuts, hummus and carrots, or apples and peanut butter. Check to see what the deli section has to offer and stick to veggies and salads.
Keep a supply of water in the car. Being hungry is one thing however being thirsty and getting dehydrated could result in a bad situation, like a trip to the hospital. I try and keep a few water bottles in the trunk of my car just in case. The trick is keeping it stocked.
Modify restaurant foods. If there is no other choice but to eat at a fast food restaurant where there are foods high in fat and calories, take special care to modify what you’re getting. For example, ask for no mayo or cheese to cut back on fat, eat half of what you order, or order a kids meal.
There’s definitely a lessoned learned for me, always take water and some healthy snacks before hitting the road to run errands. My body always thanks me for it later.
By Vincent Alvarez, RDN, NSCA-CPT