One thing that most people tend to neglect due to lack of time is a proper meal. Eating just about anything while on the run has become commonplace. So, if this sounds familiar, maybe it’s time to discipline yourself and start planning ahead so you can eat healthy, while on the run. Eating right, eating healthy is one of the most important things that you should do, despite a full daily schedule.

Why Eat Healthy?
Since none of us are immune to stress, we need the power to tolerate stress. A healthy diet gives your body the power to withstand daily worries more effectively. Eating healthy while on the run to get to work or to run errands also helps build your stamina and fight common illnesses. But there may be situations when you can’t find healthy food to eat, like when traveling, on a road trip, at an airport, or even at home or the office. So what do you do then?

Here are some tips to eat healthy when facing such situations:

Place: Restaurants
Restaurants are always tempting. The wonderful aromas, large portions, and delightful ambience all make you wish that you weren’t into healthy eating! Go ahead and splurge then, but just one rare occasion. On other occasions, you need to be smart and eat right. Here’s how:

Tips:
1. Pick restaurants wisely.
2. Try healthy cuisines like Vegetarian, Salads, or Food that limits simple carbohydrates like pasta and breads.
3. Avoid buffet meals, all-you-can-eat offers, and dessert carts when eating out; try a la carte and only eat what you “need”.
4. Stay away from bread, butter, rich foods and desserts.
5. Opt for water, clear soups, salads, steamed, broiled, baked, roasted, stir-fried foods.
6. If you really can’t avoid dessert, try sharing half of it with another person eating with you.

Place: Fast Food Joints
When stuck with no other eating option other than fast food places, try to pick up the healthiest food options on the menu. Ask the manager for the nutritional info on the various foods. Avoid high fats and sugar filled selections.

Tips:
1. Order regular portions; don’t order large or super-sized meals.
2. Eat at deli-style restaurants where you can get a fresh salad or sandwich with whole grain breads and lean meats and cheese.
3. Avoid fries. Choose vegetables, side salads etc.
4. Stay away from the mayonnaise, use mustard instead.
5. Choose water or diet sodas over regular sodas.

Place: Airports
Are you a frequent flyer? Do you stress about the lack of healthy food choices at airports? Don’t worry, we’ll help you. But remember, don’t eat because you are waiting for your flight, or bored or stressed when at an airport. Try carrying your own food like granola bars, fruits, vegetables, protein bars, etc. Eat because you are hungry and eat healthy!

Tips:
1. Don’t consume alcohol. Opt for decaf coffee, water, tea etc.
2. Don’t enter the first McDonald’s you see at the airport. Look around for healthier food choices.
3. Try to order fresh, natural foods and avoid fried foods.
4. Avoid munching on chocolates, candies, chips etc.

Place: Office/Home
Work from home or office and have only 15-20 mins. for lunch? Carry or prepare a lunch snack beforehand. Here’s what you need:

Tips:
1. Stock up on: Water, Healthy soups, fresh fruits, fresh veggies, low sugar granola bars, cottage cheese.

Remember, an informed you = a healthier you!