How to eat healthy on the run
As the New Year is ushered in, millions of people will make resolutions to eat better and lose weight. In our fast-paced society, it is important to place an emphasis on eating healthy while on the run, in order to be successful at those goals. Recent research reported by the United States Department of Agriculture reports that Americans are now spending around 40 percent of their food budget on eating outside of the home. What’s more, a study in “Obesity Reviews” reports that those eating out of the home tend to consume more calories and less nutrition.
“With all that we have to do that keeps us busy today, we need access to nutritious food options in order to achieve and maintain good health,” explains Jolly Backer, the chief executive officer of Fresh Healthy Vending (www.freshvending.com). “When it comes to eating outside of the home, it is even more important to focus on eating healthy, so that your goals go where you go.”
The good news is that it is possible to eat healthy on the run. Here are some tips to help maintain healthy eating habits while on the go:
- Only snack when you are hungry. Avoid nibbling and snacking just because of what time it is, since this will only add calories where they are not needed.
- Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. The more you can get in per day, the better. Whether for snacking or meals, fresh fruits and veggies are always a wise choice.
- Keep portion sizes in check. Whether it is a snack out of the vending machine or a lunch at a restaurant, the amount being eaten matters. Always keep the portion size in mind, since exceeding it adds on additional unnecessary calories.
- Avoid sugary beverages. They merely add empty calories. Instead, opt for water or drinks that are not sugary, such as tea, healthy smoothies, etc.
- Look for low-fat options. There are lower-fat options when it comes to meals, as well snacks. When looking for a healthy snacking option, for example, looked for fruits, veggies, baked chips, popcorn, or cereal bars.
- Plan ahead. The more that your meals and snacks are planned out, the better off you will be. Check menus, consider options, and map out what will be eaten. This helps people avoid becoming really hungry and having to scrounge around for whatever they can find.
