As a holistic nutritionist I get a lot of the same questions from my clients. One of the top question/concerns I am asked is how to eat healthy when they are so busy. To which I usually ask them how their typical days go. Where is all there "extra" time (the time not at work, taking care of their kids or in an office) being spent?
And you know what I find...? There is usually time in there. Holes where we get sucked into watching a few too many Insta-stories or reading too many articles on the same thing or even working form home in front of the TV and not being as efficient as we could be. Believe me, I understand. I have these times too!
The first part of that answer is awareness around that time. Literally, get the stopwatch out and time yourself on some of those activities. I use this Miracle Cube Timer and it definitely helps keep me on track. What can you cut out, where can you make things more efficient?
One of the most important pieces of advice I ever got was "if it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse."
As soon as you evaluate where your time is REALLY going and make peace with your priorities you will magically find the time.
Something I help most of my clients do is find that time and make a plan to meal prep on the weekends. Sometimes we even go to the grocery store together, which helps point out what snacks and on-the-go items are great for a busy week. And I always do a free consult over the phone to make sure it's a good fit for us both. Don't hesitate to reach out or simply book an initial consultation.
The second part to this question is to reframe what it means to us to make the time to eat healthy. It shouldn't be a chore. Literally, when we eat healthy we are nourishing our bodies on a physical level. But that food should be tasty and nourish our soul and spirit as well. Food is definitely medicine, but it should also be enjoyable, and come from a place of love and self-care for ourselves and those around us.
So, today I wanted to add a few ideas for healthy snacks-on-the-go. These are all things you can pick up at your local grocery store and have for when you you need that afternoon snack.
SNACK ON THE GO IDEAS
Kale Chips
Bone broth (find this in the freezer section) you can even add in wakame (dried seaweed)
Jerky (like Primal Classic Beef Jerky or other brands like Epic or vital choice Salmon Jerky)
Nuts, raw or sprouted are the best, but buy what you will eat.
Trail mix
Canned tuna with 5 celery sticks
Full-fat String Cheese
Coconut water or kombucha
Full-fat Cottage cheese or individual full-fat cheese products
Individual 4% (full-fat) yogurts, Sigi’s are great
Pre-popped popcorn or veggie chips
Pre-made bars, good ones: Bobo’s, RX bar, Primal Kitchen, That’s It, Two Mom’s, Marcobars and Perfect Bar (some of these are in the refrigerated sections)
Salsa and chips
Rice cakes (with avocado or nut butter on top)
Nut butters + apple, pear or other fresh fruit
Veggies and hummus, salsa, or guacamole
Deli-sliced meat (with cheese or veggies)
Fresh juice (from whole foods, or other health food store), just make sure it’s low in fruit or no fruit and that the veggies
Also, don't worry, none of the above is sponsored, just things I like and recommend. And if you need more help with meal planning and preparation for the week to make eating healthy more efficient for you, please reach out. It's LITERALLY what I do! :)
What other healthy snacks do you eat and enjoy?