Always on the Run?
A question I am often asked in my fitness/coaching work, centers around time management. Specifically, when one’s schedule is outside of a regular 9-5, and is unpredictable in time and location, how can a healthy eating plan be maintained?
The solution begins with the awareness that a change is sought after around nutrition. Second, is to connect with why this change is so important. The question here: what will you feel like when you’re eating in the healthy way you desire? Well? Energetic? Positive? Remember that.
Now, the nuts and bolts of the answer here, is preparation. Here are some suggestions to help maintain a healthy eating plan while on the run:
1) Wash and chop up your veggies. Place them in your individual containers in the fridge so they are ready to grab and go.
2) Put raisins, nuts, trail mix etc into serving sized containers wherever you keep your snacks. Better still perhaps? Put those in your purse/gym bag now so that if you happen to be stuck for a snack, they are handy.
3) Choose fruit! Already in a perfect sized “container”, keep stocked up on your favourites so you can grab and go.
4) Have some healthy granola bars on hand. That is, not the ones that are full of sugar, sodium and ingredients you can’t pronounce, but rather those with fewer, natural ingredients.
5) Do some research as to healthier “fast food” places that are on your typical routes. If you happen to be stuck without one of your snacks/meals, you’ll know where you can stop to grab an option that fits with your desired eating plan.
6) Once a week, plan your weekly meals, according to your upcoming week’s schedule. Use this to create your grocery list. Now during the week, you won’t have to think about what’s for dinner. You’ll already have that planned and know you have all ingredients on hand.
Also, don’t forget your refillable water bottle while you’re on the run.
And why was the question above asked, “What will you feel like when you’re eating in the healthy way you desire?” The answer: to keep you connected to your “why” around your nutrition. If you haven’t clearly defined how important eating well is to you, give it some more thought. Without that anchor, it will be easy to skip the prep mentioned above and grab a doughnut or chocolate bar when you’re feeling hungry. And how will that make you feel? Sluggish? Foggy?
It only takes a few minutes to be prepared to eat well. And you’re worth it!
Do you have favourite healthy snacks/meals or strategies you use to keep on track? Please share! I am sure others will find them useful!
And finally, what about a workout plan when your schedule is irregular? Come back next Wednesday for some ideas!
Have a healthy, well-fueled day!
Deanna