Featured Fitness Professional

How to Eat on the Go

By Brad Scott

We have all had fast food and we all have our favorite fast food restaurant. The restaurant, that when we drive by, we have a huge desire to stop and partake. I love Arby's. A Beef n Cheddar sandwich with a large vanilla shake makes my mouth water. I could eat them everyday. But as we all know, that would not be the healthiest thing to do.

But we do not have to totally give up small vices such as this. While it's important to eat healthy, it is also important to spoil ourselves now and then. For example, if you are trying to lose 10 pounds and eat properly and exercise Sunday through Friday, would a quick burger break hurt you that much on Saturday? Probably not. When you are on the road and have to eat, what should you eat? When you are short on time, what's the best place to stop? Here are a few tips on grabbing a meal while on the road.

  1. Don't go crazy. Remember, you are stopping for a self reward or because you are hungry and eating on the go. So keep it small and simple. Leave the fast food value meals alones. Grab a main entré, a healthy side and some water or juice. If you gotta have the value meal, just say 'no' when they ask if you would like to size it up for 69 cents.
  2. Stop at a restaurant that has a food nutrition chart. Most large chains have charts available showing the fat, protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, sugar, vitamins and minerals. It is best to go in and ask for a chart and then order as to not hold up the drive thru. Pick a healthy meal that you will enjoy. If the restaurant does not have a food nutrition chart, skip it. If they don't know what they are giving you, why should you eat it?
  3. Try not to eat and drive. Although you are eating on the go, it's not the best safety practice. But it is also best to relax while eating and enjoy your food. Eat at the restaurant when the food is warmest.
  4. Don't make it a habit. Keep the fast food to a minimum. Eat at home, pack a lunch, and keep healthy snacks at work or in the car to resist temptation.
  5. Look for the unobvious solutions to your hunger. Stop by the deli at the local grocery store. Run by GNC or other nutrition center and grab a meal replacement bar.
  6. Don't skip meals. Eating a small snack on the go is better than not eating at all. Putting your body into starvation mode is not good nutrition and will not help you reach your fitness goals.
  7. Balance your fast food meal with what you eat the rest of the day. If you had the value meal for lunch, eat a sensible dinner and skip the evening desert. Choose a good piece of fruit instead.

You can give in to the desire now and then and still maintain your healthy lifestyle. Remember, life is not about giving up everything you enjoy, but learning how to moderate the good with the not so good. Eat smart.

Live for the Moment.....Exercise for Life

About the Author:

Brad Scott is Owner and President of Sport and Life Fitness in Melbourne Florida. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a Certified Fitness Trainer and Specialist in Sports Conditioning with the International Sports Sciences Association. With over 20 years of experience, Brad offers a wide variety of fitness solutions for most anyone. Visit him online at www.SportAndLifeFitness.com today and start your fitness journey.