Eating healthy can sometimes be challenging, especially in a small town like Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. We have compiled some of our favorite ways to eat well while on the go, to help encourage you that eating healthy doesn’t have to be inconvenient.
5 Tips for Convenient, Healthy Eating
1.) Food Prep
Taking a little extra time to prepare healthy meals is one of the best ways to ensure you are eating well throughout the week. This could mean prepping meals in advance or cutting veggies into to-go baggies so you have something prepared when hunger strikes and you are on a time crunch. Another food prep tip is to cook bigger meals! Hello, leftovers! Double your meals to ensure you have leftovers for later in the week. Want to make this even more convent for yourself? While putting your leftovers away separate into containers so you don’t have to portion out at a later time. Cook once and eat throughout the week, its a win-win if you ask us!
A few of our favorite Food Prep Snacks:
• Carrots and Hummus
• Homemade trail mix (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate)
• Sliced apples and nut butter
2.) Choose Healthy Options While Dining Out
Try to find restaurants that have healthy options and don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions. Be aware of what your town has to offer and make a list on your phone. This is a great way to ensure when you are out and about you are prepared and less likely to find yourself in line at a fast food joint. When you are out, opt for real food, instead of non-nutritional fillers. For example avoid fruit flavored items, when you see flavor on a label, its a sign the food was stripped of its real taste and a fabricated one swapped in.
3.) Switch Things Up
When you are trying to eat healthily and doing meal prep you may start to feel bored with your food. Make sure you are switching things up frequently by adding new meals, different fruits, and vegetables, or even just new seasoning and sauces into the mix. Eating healthy shouldn’t be boring or bland!
4.) Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals is asking for trouble when trying to eat healthy. Experts recommend eating every three to four hours to help keep your metabolisms running optimally and to prevent energy dips, as well as overeating. One of my go-to solutions when I am tempted to skip a meal and don’t have anything prepared is I swing by one of the three Wellness Bar locations for a super smoothie.
A few of my favorites?
The Green Seed: Almond Milk • Spinach • Plant Based Protein • Flax Seed • Hemp Hearts • Chia Seeds • Almond Butter • Honey
Full of fiber, greens, healthy fats, and protein this super smoothie is a healthy convenient option while on the go!
Super Human: Cashew Milk • Avocado • Honey • Almond Butter • Whey Protein • Banana • Cacoa • Blueberries • Vanilla
Another favorite of the super smoothies! This options you get some extra antioxidants from, the berries and energy from the cocoa! Full or flavor, protein, healthy fats, and fiber this smoothie will allow you to keep your energy up on a busy day!
5.) Treat Yourself
Just because you are eating healthy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat yourself! In fact, having a treat now and then can actually help you stay on track for a long term lifestyle change. How does this work exactly? You are less likely to feel deprived if you do allow yourself a treat now and then. There are also options for healthier treats! Smoothie bowl anyone?
Convenient Healthy Eating Spotlight: The Wellness Bar Food Truck
You may have noticed there is a new food truck in town with healthy delicious drinks and bowls as its main offerings! That’s right, Wellness Bar has a food truck! We are out and about at various events, as well as weekly at the Hayden Farmers Market (seasonal) Saturdays from 9-1pm. Did you know the Wellness Bar Food Truck can be rented out for events? Have a private party, business meeting, or race? Contact us at jennifer@niwellnessbar.com for questions.
