Eating While on the Go

       It is the beginning of a new semester. For some it is their very first semester, for others it is their very last, and for everyone else they are somewhere in between. Where ever you are in your journey to graduation you have busy schedules full of classes, work, studying, church meetings, social events, family affairs, and sports activities. Somewhere in between these numerous challenges and commitments you have to fit in some sleeping and eating so you can refuel your bodies. It is very easy for an individual to become so busy that they do not take the time to eat throughout the day. Often your day begins early and your morning is rushed leaving no time to eat breakfast. Your day consists of rushing from class to class with the occasional trip to the library and gym to fit in some studying and a quick workout before you head home or to work. By the time you have gotten home it is dinner time and you are starving because you have not had time to eat except for that Snickers bar you got at the vending machine in between classes. Skipping meals can become an easy habit to develop especially for those who have busy schedules. It is also a very unhealthy habit that can cause us to unintentionally gain or lose weight, lower the immune system, result in malnutrition, lower our energy levels, and several other health issues. With the importance of having a healthy body while at school some tips that can help you plan and fit meals throughout your day have been provided. 

Tips for Healthy Eating While on the Go

                                                              Plan Meals A Head of Time

Before you go to the store for groceries think of the foods that are nutritious and you enjoy eating. Plan the different types of food that you like to have around that are easy to store when taking it to go and are simple and quick to prepare. Make sure to get a variety of foods so that you can reach all the macronutrients and their daily values. These macronutrients consist of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Make sure these fats are mostly unsaturated so that you can keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. When you get back from your shopping trip before you put away all your food prewash your fruits and vegetables as well as portion them into individual bags and containers for easy grab and go snacks. 

                                  Don’t Skip Breakfast

Breakfast is what will get your metabolism going so that your body will be able to have the energy to carry you throughout the day. It will also help in boosting your mind to be alert and ready to learn and stay focused. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but also the easiest meal to skip. Try to find easy quick meals that you enjoy that can be prepped quickly and consumed quickly or on the go so that you can at least make sure to start you day off right.

                                        Snack Smart

When you have some time to grab a quick snack make good choices that will fuel you to get to your next meal or snack. Stay away from salty and sugary foods that are high in saturated fats. You do not want to increase your caloric intake too much but just consume enough to give you energy till the next opportunity to eat. High sugar content will give you energy at first but it will not last long. When looking for snack foods choose those that are high in protein and low in saturated fats.

Ideas for Quick Healthy Snacks and Meals

•  Precut celery sticks that you can quickly fill with peanut, almond butter, or cream cheese. (You can also pre-portion your peanut butter in small containers for dipping.)
• Almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts pre-portioned in small bags
• Yogurt, fruit, and granola or nuts. This is quick to prepare and eat when in an early morning rush
•  Peanut butter and banana sandwich
•  Pre-washed, cut, and portioned carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans
•  Sliced apple and peanut butter
• Cheese sticks and crackers
• Whole wheat toast with yogurt, peanut butter, or apple sauce
•  Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast
• Ham and cheese wraps (take a cheese stick and wrap it in sliced ham or other pre-sliced meat)
• Cherry tomatoes and cubed mozzarella cheese
• Hard boiled egg (Pre-boil and keep refrigerated cut in half and reheat)
• Cottage cheese and peaches, pineapple, or mango

References

http://primo-tc-na01.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=viewOnlineTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=BYUID_HORIZON4149252&indx=1&recIds=BYUID_HORIZON4149252&recIdxs=0&elementId=0&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=&dscnt=0&vl(496227924UI1)=all_items&scp.scps=scope%3A%28BYUID_CDM%29%2Cscope%3A%28BYUID_HORIZON%29%2Cscope%3A%28BYUID_EQUELLA%29%2Cprimo_central_multiple_fe&tab=default_tab&dstmp=1398263979465&vl(freeText0)=eating%20with%20a%20busy%20schedule%20&vl(29571302UI0)=any&vid=BYUID&mode=Basic  

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