Healthy Eating at work and on the road

Many of us spend up to 80 percent of our day at work. If you are a workaholic, that number goes up. The atmosphere is ripe for eating all sorts of unhealthy foods just to make it through the day. Here are some ideas for eating healthier while you are away from home.

When it’s time to break for lunch, your co-workers may suggest eating out. Everyone wants to get away from their desk at some point, but it can wreak havoc on your pocketbook and your waistline though.

There are two solutions here. One is to brown bag it. If you eat at a neighboring mall with a food court, you can bring your bag lunch and eat with your co-workers.

But, who wants to eat a turkey sandwich when everyone else is eating Kung pao shrimp? There is a solution to that one too. Bring the foods you love and have prepared at home for lunch the next day. If you have an insulated lunch bag, heat your meal in the office kitchen before heading out to the food court. Your lunch can look as delectable as theirs but with healthier ingredients.

The second solution involves a little legwork. If you want to eat out with your co-workers in the food court, find a restaurant that serves a healthy menu. Popular eateries like Taco Bell and Subway have an alternative menu that is full of fare with lots of vegetables and little fat.

Snacking is an important part of your meal plan. It is the snacks that we eat between meals that keep the metabolism revved up and stops us from eating things that are not as healthy for us.

Here are some snack ideas.

Nuts – Nuts are full of healthy oils and protein. Keep a jar of almonds, pistachios, walnuts and peanuts at your desk. When you start to feel drained mid-morning or mid-afternoon, grab a handful and keep on working. The protein will stop the craving for sweets and help you regain your focus.

Yogurt – Yogurt comes in many flavors so you aren’t just stuck with the plain or vanilla. Keep a supply in your office refrigerator. Before you leave for home, grab one and suck it down if you get stuck in traffic or feel hungry on the way home.

Granola bars – Any food that you can hold in your hand will help you to eat on the go. This includes road trips and busy days at the office. If you don’t like the commercial granola bars, create your own from rolled oats, puffed wheat or rice, and other good things.

It is possible to eat healthy when you are away from home. Start with the suggestions above and build on them.