How to Eat Healthy as a Single Girl "On-The-Go"

It is no secret that I do not like to cook. My domestic goddess skills went out door when I became a “single lady” and moved into a space I shared with others. As a health and fitness coach, I know how important meal prepping is. In the beginning of my wellness journey, meal prepping was what helped me stay committed and kept me out of the Starbucks drive-through. These days, I’m just not into spending hours shopping, prepping, and cleaning up, all to do it over again the next day. After years of trying new things, reading labels, and measuring my portions, I feel as though I have a mental list of the on-the-go foods and the out-to-dinner foods that support my lack of homemaker skills, while also supporting my health and fitness goals. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with your girlfriends, or having an “always on the go” type of week, I’ve compiled my top suggestions for balancing “treat yo’self” with “I’m a health goddess”.

My favorite on-the-go foods that support your health and fitness goals…                  

1. Deconstructed grab-and-go Salad.
   My favorite pick is the Kale Caesar Salad from Trader Joe’s, but this pretty much goes for any salad you find in the grab-and-go section of a grocery store. I choose the salad with the greenest, leafiest base. Unfortunately, these salads usually come with  oil-based dressings, made from inexpensive oil, like canola oil, and contain a lot of fat and sometimes sugar. For this reason, I either add my own oil and lemon, or I apply the provided dressing sparingly. I also omit things like croutons, and sometimes cheese, knowing that I’m getting enough fats in the dressing and the seeds. Another great TJ’s option is their broccoli slaw paired with the Thai Peanut Dressing. Slice up some avocado and chicken in there and you’ve got yourself a delicious and filling meal!

2. Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Tabbouleh.
   If I had to guess I’d say this tabbouleh salad is in 9 of 10 of my grocery hauls. At any given time, I likely have a container in the fridge, one in my purse, and another at the studio. I’ve eaten it in the morning with eggs on top, and i’ve eaten it for lunch and dinner with shredded chicken on top. It’s a super versatile, grain-free salad with a hefty serving of vegetables and a light citrusy taste. Some days I even grab it for a quick snack!

Then there are those times when your tribe is headed out for Taco Tuesday. You really want to be social, but you really don’t want to sabotage your health goals. Believe it or not, it is possible to go to a mexican restaurant and stick to your meal plan. I promise you’ll have just as much fun if you skip the marg, and be mindful with your chips and quac consumption.
Here are my tips for eating at a restaurant while following a nutrition plan:

1. Stick with a “mainly protein and veggies” type of meal.
   A restaurant meal can be a major indulgence, or it can compliment your nutrition plan- the choice is yours. When I go to restaurants, I usually indulge in the appetizer, but choose my meal wisely. Choosing a meal that is veggie-heavy, with a solid protein choice and a healthy fat is what supports my eating habits best. I try to avoid gluten-heavy foods like pasta or sandwiches, but I do enjoy carbs in their whole grain form, like quinoa or barley. If I have the option, I always ask for my meat grilled. Grilled meat is usually cooked in very little (if any) excess oil. Somehow I feel as though this balances out the queso I had prior.

2. Enjoy your meal.
   Stressing over everything you consume will do nothing but ruin your time out. Be mindful of what you are eating and eat what you want - in moderation. Just make sure your meanlis balanced and will make you feel satiated. If you order a salad with lemon juice, the chances are that you won’t be satisfied and you’ll probably over indulge on whatever’s in your pantry when you get home.

If you’re like me and avoid the kitchen at all (ok most) costs, you can find a ton of healthy and quick prep options at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Eating out and eating on the go does not have to be an “emergency” or last-minute occurrence. Set yourself up for success by stocking up on a few things you can easily whip together.

Do you have any favorite on-the-go foods? Drop your suggestions in the comments below!