By Praveen & Maahek Nair, BodyProCoach
March is dedicated to National Nutrition Month, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietitians [AND]. In tune with the same let’s talk about FOOD as well! It might be difficult to keep a balanced diet whether traveling or working late at the workplace in today’s hectic environment. But even when you’re rushing around or working through the night, you can still feed your body healthy foods with a little preparation and thoughtful decision-making.
Tips to Eat Healthy Traveling/Working Late in the Office
In honor of National Nutrition Month, let’s look at some doable strategies to support you in
maintaining a healthy diet despite your busy schedule.
Plan Ahead:
Making an advanced meal plan is essential to eating healthily when on the run. Spend some time planning your meals for the day before leaving on a trip or going to work. Think about your alternatives and how to make the healthiest decisions possible. If you’re traveling, look for wholesome dining alternatives in the supermarket or restaurants you’ll be visiting. Bring along nutritious foods and snacks, such as fruits, almonds, whole-grain crackers, and precut veggies, if you have late shifts at work.
Select Nutrient-Dense Foods:
Choose foods that will provide you with long-lasting energy while making meal and snack choices. Opt for selections high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre instead of sugary snacks or fast meals. Fresh produce and fruits, lean meats like tofu or grilled chicken, nutritious grains like brown rice or quinoa, and healthy fats like avocado or almonds are a few examples.
Maintain Your Hydration:
Staying hydrated is essential for general health and well-being, particularly while you’re on the road. Throughout the day, especially whether traveling or working late at the office, be sure to stay hydrated with lots of water. No matter where you go, always have a reusable water bottle with you to remain hydrated. Reduce the amount of sugary and caffeinated drinks you consume because they might cause energy dumps and dehydration.
Practice Portion management:
Eating enormous portions or staying at buffets all the time can easily lead to overindulgence, but eating a balanced diet requires portion management. Consider portion sizes and make an effort to pay attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. When dining out, think about splitting a meal with a buddy or freezing half for later. Use smaller bowls and plates at work to help manage portion sizes and prevent mindless nibbling.
Be Aware of Mindless Eating:
Even the best-intentioned attempts at healthy eating can be derailed by mindless eating. When eating, stay away from distractions like watching TV or browsing through your phone because these might cause overeating. Rather, spend some time indulging and relishing your meal, focusing on its tastes, textures, and emotional impact. Eating with awareness can assist you in choosing better options and avoiding consuming extra calories.
Don’t Miss Meals:
Missing meals might make you overeat later on and interfere with your body’s normal hunger signals. It may also appear like a time-saving tactic. To maintain consistent energy levels and avoid binge eating, try eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day. If you know you’ll be working late, plan for a nutritious dinner or evening snack to keep you satisfied.
In conclusion, it’s possible to eat healthily, when traveling or working late at the workplace if you make some careful preparations and wise decisions. You can fuel your body and promote your general health and well-being even when life becomes busy by making nutrient-dense foods a priority, drinking enough water, controlling portion sizes, being aware of mindless eating, and not missing meals. Commit to choosing healthier options wherever your trip takes you during National Nutrition Month.