An extra busy schedule and time spent travelling can take a heavy toll on how you feel—physically and emotionally. So it’s especially wise to take good care of yourself during those times.
A big part of that care is diet. Making healthy homemade meals may not always be an option when you’re on the go, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make good choices.
With a little creativity, though, you can cruise through without getting stressed out.
Smart Snacks
When your schedule gets thrown off, snacks are essential. Having healthy snacks on hand to tide you over until the next meal can make a big difference. Instead of relying on junky snacks for sustenance, make sure your body gets the nutrition it’s craving. Nuts, fruit, veggie sticks and hummus, healthy energy bars, and leftovers from last nights dinner are all great choices and easy to grab on the go.
Here’s an excellent and nutritious snack you can make and store in the fridge. When you’re going to be busy, just take a few out and bring them with you.
Real Energy Balls
- 5 large dates (Medjool are great!)
- 2-3 Tbsp almond butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 3 tsp ghee or softened butter
- ¼ cup nuts (your choice, roasted or raw)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ cup unsweetened or honey-sweetened granola
Grind the granola in a food processor until fine (almost like flour), then add spices, vanilla, and nuts. Process until the nuts are chunky. Chop the dates into small pieces by hand so they don’t get stuck to your food processor blade. In a mixing bowl, add the almond butter and ghee along with the ground granola and chopped nut mixture. Using your hands, combine all the ingredients well. If the mixture is too dry, use a little more ghee/butter. If it’s too moist, use more ground up granola. Roll into small balls. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Down Time
When you do sit down to a meal or snack, relax. It may be the only down time you get. Even if you only have a few minutes, your body will digest better, your mind will unwind, and you will notice how much better you feel afterwards if you relax and take your time.
Dining Out
These days, eating out can be convenient and healthy. If you find yourself staying overnight in a hotel and too tired to venture out, a healthy hot meal may be a quick internet search away. In most cities, for a few dollars more, you can get a meal delivered right to your door. Don’t be shy with your veggies! Many times restaurants have side dishes of vegetables along with fresh salads that you can add to the main course. Your body will thank you for it later.
