Everyone has those days where eating on the run is a necessity.
But for some, skipping meals and grabbing the quickest thing around is a lifestyle that can’t be avoided. However, your busy schedule shouldn’t stop you from eating a healthy diet.
“It’s more common than most people think,” says Stefanie DePaolis, registered dietician and owner of Menu For Movement. “People struggle to find healthy alternatives when they’re busy.”
DePaolis says its important to eat something, regardless of how healthy you may think it is, than to skip a meal. She says eating every three to four hours is important to keep blood sugars at a normal level. She says even if it’s a microwave dinner or something from a fast food joint, don’t feel guilty about eating at regular intervals.
If you find yourself running out the door without breakfast on a regular basis, plan ahead, says DePaolis. Keeping food in your office or at home that takes no preparation is the best way to avoid skipping meals.
“Trail mix, a yogurt cup or fruit are great options,” says DePaolis. “Try to think of these things ahead of time.”
She also says granola bars are a great way to keep from going hungry, and are easy to keep without a fridge. But the bars should meet a healthy standard. DePaolis says check the nutritional information on the box and look for bars with at least three to four grams of fibre, less than eight grams of sugar and it should have less than three grams of fat per bar.
If you find yourself at the food court or at a fast food restaurant for lunch, DePaolis says a simple sandwich is a great choice. Avoiding sandwiches with a high content of mayonnaise is important. She advises skipping tuna, egg or chicken salad to avoid a mayo overdose. She also says to keep in mind the size of the sandwich, look for one that is similar to one you’d make at home.
If you find yourself going to the same restaurant for breakfast or lunch during a busy work-week, DePaolis says to look online at the restaurant’s website for nutritional information, which may help you make a good decision next time you stop in for a meal.
