Healthy Eating on the Go!
According the National Institute of Health, eating healthy can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. Choosing healthy foods shouldn’t be a struggle. These healthy eating tips can help you start making smarter food choices.
Dining Out
When eating in restaurants, try to make healthy swaps.
- Substitute a side salad for greasy fries.
- Request a light dressing on the side.
- Ask if the restaurant will use less oil when cooking
- Trim visible fat from meat
- Ask your waiter not to bring bread to your table.
- Select foods that are listed as: au jus (steamed in their own juice), broiled, baked, roasted, poached or lightly sautéed.
Snacks
A few healthy, but tasty selections you can pack in your purse or tote when you’re on the go include:
- Nuts
- Whole grain crackers
- Fresh Fruit are a few tasty selections
If vending machines are your only option, choose items like pretzels, nuts, trail mix or whole grain crackers with peanut butter. Smoothies made with real juice, fruit and yogurt also make for a healthy lunch on the go.
Beverages
Pass on sodas, energy drinks and sweetened teas or lemonades. Instead:
- Zest up your water with low-calorie flavor packets – small enough to fit in your pocket or purse. Many brands have less than 10 calories per serving.
- Try adding lemon wedges or cucumber slices to your water.
Making smart eating choices can be difficult, but armed with the right knowledge you’re off to a great start.
For more healthy eating tips, talk to your doctor, or visit:
- How to Pack a Healthy School Lunch
- Healthy Eating Recipes for Home
- Eat Right on a Budget
Sources: www.NHLBI.NIH.gov, www.eatright.org, www.nih.gov