by Molly Carter

Created on: August 23, 2007   Last Updated: May 16, 2010

The best investment I ever made was a portable cooler. When I have a day of errands ahead of me, I pack up my cooler with fresh fruit, carrot sticks, string cheese or apples and peanut butter. Making sure I have healthy options to gnaw on throughout the day saves me from picking up French fries or grabbing a buttery pretzel at the mall.

If you are running late for work, grab a high fiber granola bar, an apple or a bag of almonds and dried cranberries for the road. The night before, if you know you'll have a hectic morning, make a fruit smoothie and pack it in a to-go cup. Shake it up on the way out the door and enjoy. There are a multitude of protein shakes and meal replacement powders you can just sprinkle into your milk in the morning to create a nutritious and filling drink.

If you work in an office or retail store ask your boss if you can bring in a light snack to store in the refrigerator. Eating a yogurt or having a quick salad with lean chicken breast on top will give you the energy you need for the rest of the day and prevent you from swinging by that snack machine.

If you are already out and about and hunger strikes, or you are bumming with friends who are dying to try a new restaurant, train yourself to look for healthy options. Even if you are going through McDonald's drive-thru you can order one of their salads or a grilled chicken sandwich without mayo. Subway is a fresh and healthy alternative for meals on the go.

Eating well on the go is all about planning and committing to make smart meal choices. Even the best of us occasionally stumble when hunger strikes, but instead of breaking altogether, admit you tripped up and start over again. Having healthy food accessible and ready prevents us from temptation while on the road.

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