Eat Healthy on the Go- 17 Tips

Eating on the go can be healthy.  Today, smart food choices are everywhere!  Here are some of our top tips to eat healthy on the go!

1. Plan ahead. Eat healthy on the go by choosing your restaurant wisely.  Try to avoid dining out or getting take-out from restaurants with limited options or with unhealthy menu items that will tempt you.
2. Look for healthy choices.  Many restaurants have special sections of their menus with healthier options.  Give one a try!
3. Look for clues.  Items that are baked, braised, broiled, grilled, poached, roasted and steamed can often be healthier choices.  Items that are fried, buttered, creamy, crispy or breaded are often higher in calories and fat, and should be avoided.
4. Portion control.  Avoid super-sized portions by ordering an appetizer or lighter portion in place of an entrée.
5. Opt for healthier sides.  Get the side salad or veggies instead of a loaded baked potato, fries or mac-n-cheese.
6. Hold the bread and chips basket!  Filling up on bread and chips before your meal arrives adds lots of extra calories.  If you ask to hold the bread or chip basket until your meal is served, you will probably eat much less of it.
7. Budget your calories.  If you know you’re going out for a special meal, eat lighter throughout the day.  Take it a step further and budget your calories for the week!  When you’ve made healthier choices Monday through Friday, reward yourself and splurge a little on the weekend.
8. Split your order.  Share an entrée or dessert or take the other half home for a second meal.
9. Opt for low fat versions.  Skip the extras like bacon and avoid heavy sauces.  Try to use salsas and low fat spreads.
10. Avoid the buffet line.  Over-eating is easy to do with all-you-can-eat specials.  Try opting for a salad bar instead and load up on dark leafy greens and other fresh veggies.  Avoid the high fat dressings and cheeses.
11. Beware of jumbo sized breakfast pastries.  If you must have a muffin, bagel or croissant, get the regular size.  You’ll likely be eating half the calories!
12. Stop at the supermarket deli.  There are tons of healthier options including sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, fresh fruit and salads.
13. Keep healthy snacks at the office.  For desk diners, having a stockpile of protein bars, trail mix, bananas, fresh cut fruit, carrot sticks or celery sticks can get you through the work day munchies.
14. Substitute with a protein shake!  Keep protein powder and a blender bottle close and opt for a shake for breakfast or in place of a snack.
15. Take snacks in the car: Pack a cooler with crisp fresh vegetables and an assortment of veggie dips. Bring along some fruit juices in single-serving boxes and water bottles.
16. Healthier options at service stations: When you stop to fill up your gas tank, consider the healthier alternatives for snacks, such as fresh fruits, granola mixes, nuts and seeds, and healthful beverages.
17. Eat healthier on your trip! At airports and train stations, take a small bag of granola, nuts, seeds and dried fruits such as cranberries, apples and bananas so you aren’t as tempted to stop for fast foods at the airport or train station.  When you get to the hotel, find the nearest grocery store where you can buy fresh superfood fruits and vegetables to keep in a cooler or small refrigerator.