healthy on the go · meal prep · Dec 25, 2023

Fuel Your Body Right: The Benefits of Eating Healthy On the Go

In today's fast-paced world, finding the time to eat healthy isn’t easy. About 50% of Americans claim that they are eating healthy. Yet according to the CDC, at least 36% eat fast food regularly.

Even on the go, taking care of your body should always be a priority. You can improve your overall health by fueling your body right. Keep reading to explore the benefits of eating healthy and the challenges of eating healthy on the go.

We will also offer practical tips and meal prep ideas to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle even when busy.

5 Benefits of Healthy Eating Habits

Maintaining healthy eating habits offers many benefits for your body. A balanced diet with plant-based foods, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports your immune system. Healthy eating habits can improve your mental well-being.

Studies show that a diet high in processed foods and added sugars can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, a nutritious diet can improve your mood. In addition to mental health benefits, healthy eating habits can improve productivity.

Nutrient-dense foods provide your body with fuel throughout the day. Steady energy can help you stay focused, alert, and perform at your best.

Increased Energy Levels: Our bodies convert nutritious meals and snacks into energy throughout the day.
Improved Mental Clarity and Memory: A balanced diet of essential nutrients boosts brain function. Healthy foods with omega-3 fatty acids and free radical-fighting compounds enhance memory.
Enhanced Immune System: A nutrient-rich diet boosts immunity, reducing the risk of contracting illnesses.
Better Mood and Mental Well-being: Healthy eating produces serotonin, relieving depression and anxiety.
Weight Management: Maintaining a nutritious diet while on the go can help control weight. A nutritional diet only provides the necessities and avoids excessive calories.

Challenges of Eating Healthy On the Go

While eating healthy on the go can be challenging, it's not impossible. One of the main obstacles many people face is the lack of time. Demanding lifestyles often lead to relying on convenient but unhealthy fast food dripping with trans fats.

The availability of unhealthy snacks and processed foods in vending machines adds to the challenge of making nutritious choices. Other research shows that 46% of U.S. adults mention that the price of healthy foods kept them from doing it. Another common challenge is the limited access to healthy food options while away from home.

Finding nutritious meals and snacks is a struggle when traveling or running errands. So, people often settle for processed foods or skip meals altogether. Research conducted on 24,011 American adults aged 40 reveals that eating only one meal daily increases overall mortality risk.

Skipping breakfast increases the likelihood of death from heart disease. Forgetting to eat lunch or dinner leads to a higher mortality risk. Resisting the temptation of unhealthy snack foods is nearly impossible when food marketing focuses on unhealthy dieting behaviors.

Still, with the right strategies and mindset, it's possible to make healthier choices even on the go. Eating healthy on a budget is much easier to do than people believe.

Tips for Eating Healthy On the Go

While it may seem pointless, with some planning, you can create a healthy eating routine even on the go. A busy lifestyle doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to lose weight.

Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track:

Plan Ahead: Prepare meals and snacks with your goals in mind. Are you participating in a weight loss challenge? Planning healthy meals is the first step. Try prepping overnight oats or pre-cut fruits and vegetables for ready-to-go options.
Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods: Opt for whole foods like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Sometimes, we can classify nutritionally dense foods as "superfoods" since they provide higher levels of essential nutrients.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks: Choose healthier alternatives instead of reaching for sugary or processed snacks. Choose nuts, seeds, yogurt, or protein bars for sustained energy and nutrition.
Cook in Batches: Batch cooking is similar to meal prepping but without the full meals. Batch cooking involves adding portions of food ingredients into individual containers. One can cook, eat the foods in their raw state, or combine them. Like meal prepping, batch cooking can save money by limiting food waste.
Stay Hydrated: Always carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Stay hydrated to maintain good health and keep cravings at bay.

With these tips for healthy eating added to your daily routine, you can make smarter choices when on the go.

Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Busy People

Many busy people ask themselves, “How do you eat healthy when you have no time?” Meal prepping is a game-changer for eating healthy on the go.

Dedicating a few hours each week to prepare your meals ensures that you always have nutritious options. Meal preppers are more in control of portion sizes and what they eat.

Here are some meal prep ideas for busy people:

Mason Jar Salads: Mason jar salads are convenient and portable. Layer your favorite vegetables, protein, and dressing in a mason jar for a nutritious meal on the go.
Freezer-Friendly Meals: Prepare large batches of soups or casseroles and freeze them in individual portions. Reheat when you need a light and quick meal.
Overnight Oats: Prepare overnight oats in a jar by combining oats, milk, yogurt, and your favorite toppings. In the morning, grab the jar and enjoy a delicious breakfast on the go.
Bento Boxes: Invest in a bento box with multiple compartments. Fill each compartment with a different food group, like vegetables, protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, for a well-balanced meal.
Snack Packs: Prepare snack packs by portioning out nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or homemade trail mix into small containers. These snack packs are perfect for curbing your hunger and avoiding vending machines.

Try any of these healthy meal prep ideas to save time. Use these creative ideas to stay on track with your health goals.

Healthy Snack Options For On-the-Go

Snacking can be a downfall for many individuals trying to eat healthy. However, with the right choices, snacks can boost energy levels and satisfy you between meals. The bottom line is that there are a lot of myths about proper snacking.

For instance, you had a busy day and couldn't make dinner. You're exhausted and just want to go to bed but need to eat something. Some studies suggest that eating most of your daily calories late at night may increase the risk of obesity.

Recent studies indicate that eating nutrient-rich snacks around 200 calories in the evening doesn't impact body weight. Here are some healthy snack foods for on-the-go:

Fresh Fruit: Apples, bananas, grapes, and berries are all great options for a quick and nutritious snack. They are portable, require no preparation, and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Greek Yogurt: It’s a food with high protein and can be a satisfying snack option. Opt for plain yogurt and add your toppings. Add fresh fruit or a sprinkle of granola for added crunch.
Nut Butter Packets: Single-serving nut butter packets are convenient and mess-free. Pair them with apple slices, rice cakes, or whole-grain crackers for a nutritious and filling snack.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Pre-cut carrots, celery, and bell peppers, paired with hummus, make for a nutrient-packed snack.
Homemade Energy Balls: Energy balls made with dates, nuts, and seeds are a quick, healthy snack option. They are easy to make and need no baking. Plus, anyone can store them in the fridge for grab-and-go convenience.

Keeping these healthy snacks to eat can satisfy your cravings and help you avoid reaching for unhealthy alternatives.

Including Healthy Eating Habits into a Busy Lifestyle

Most people want to be healthy, but many give up before starting. Maintaining healthy eating habits is possible, even when there's no time for anything else. Here are some strategies to help you include healthy eating into your daily routine:

Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting realistic goals and making small changes. Focus on adopting one healthy habit at a time. Try drinking more water or adding more vegetables to your meals.
Make Time for Meals: Prioritize mealtime and set aside dedicated time for eating. Avoid eating while multitasking, which can lead to mindless eating and poor food choices.
Create a Meal Schedule: Establish a meal schedule that works for you. Plan your meals and snacks consistently throughout the day to help regulate your hunger and prevent impulsive eating.
Practice Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your meals. Practice mindful eating by observing each bite's flavors, textures, and sensations. This can help you feel more satisfied and prevent overeating.

Use these strategies to prioritize healthy eating and reap the benefits of good nutrition.

Quick And Easy Healthy Eating Recipes

When time is limited, having a collection of easy, healthy recipes can be a lifesaver. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables: Toss chicken breast, bell peppers, broccoli, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes for a complete and delicious meal.
Stir-Fry: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and stir-fry your favorite protein source with various colorful vegetables. Season the dish with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for something quick and flavorful.
Avocado Toast: Toast whole grain bread with mashed avocado, sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This simple yet satisfying meal is perfect for breakfast or a quick lunch.
Smoothie Bowl: Blend frozen fruits like bananas and berries with almond milk or yogurt splash until smooth. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings, such as granola, coconut flakes, or sliced fruits. Add pea protein powder to create a healthy breakfast.

These recipes are just a starting point. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find quick and easy recipes that suit your tastes.

Resources for Eating Healthy on the Go

If you need more guidance on how to eat healthy on the go, here are a few recommendations:

Cookbooks: Invest in cookbooks focusing on quick and healthy recipes. Start with The Quick and Easy Healthy Cookbook by Lindsay Boyers or The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook by Toby Amidor.
Online Platforms: Explore online platforms, like food blogs and recipe websites, specializing in healthy eating on the go. Websites like Minimalist Baker, Pinch of Yum, and EatingWell offer many delicious recipes.
Meal Prep Services: Consider using meal prep services that deliver ready-to-eat meals or meal kits to your doorstep. Companies like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Freshly offer custom options to suit your dietary preferences and time constraints.
Nutrition Apps: Download a nutrition app, like MyFitnessPal, to track your meals, set goals, and provide nutritional information.
Social Media: Follow wellness trends and influencers on Instagram or YouTube. Many influencers share their meal prep ideas and tips for eating healthy on the go.

Everyone has access to these resources, but only some know how to use them. You can find inspiration and plan new strategies to help you eat healthy.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a healthy diet works for any lifestyle. Use meal prep ideas, choose healthy snack options, and practice self-care. Remember, it's all about finding the best balance for you.

If you want to shake up your routine, you'll find a wealth of advice, insights, and encouragement at Reflect. Check out our selection of adult supplements that support better nutrition and a healthier you. Remember, a healthier outlook on life starts with hydration, nutrition, and movement.