Eating on the go doesn’t have to mean settling for junk food.
Busy afternoons filled with children’s games and end-of-year school events can make it hard to find time for a sit-down meal.
Studio 5 Health Contributor Miki Eberhardt shared strategies to keep you and your family fueled and energized throughout any hectic day.
Plan A: Prepare and Pack
The key to avoiding hangry episodes is preparation. “Plan and prepare. That is simply having things ready to go in your fridge,” Miki said. She suggests having ready-to-go items in your fridge, such as fruits, veggies, and protein, that you can quickly throw into a food tote. That way, you have nutritious snacks on hand, whether you’re at a volleyball tournament or navigating a busy day.
Quick and Easy Meal Prep
Time should not be an excuse for not eating healthily. Miki demonstrated that making a sandwich can take as little as 45 seconds if you have the right ingredients in your pantry. With the right staples, you can grab and go in less than five minutes. “I ended up having to leave an hour earlier than I was planning the other day, so I took out my prep time and grabbed quick items from my pantry that were already ready to go,” Miki said. She grabbed a premade veggie tray, sliced apples, a small container of peanut butter, nuts, a yogurt, and a protein shake.
Emergency Car Snacks
For those times when you’re on the go and can’t pack food in advance, Miki recommended keeping emergency car snacks. “I keep them in my console, but you could keep them in the glove box, too,” Miki suggested. These shelf-stable items, like protein bars, fruit snacks, and nuts, can be a lifesaver when you or your kids need a quick energy boost.
“They come in handy more often than not when something takes longer than you think. Or, when a kid forgot to eat from here to there,” Miki said.
Fast Food Options That Feel Good
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves without pre-packed meals or snacks. When this happens, Miki suggested some of her favorite fast-food options that are both nutritious and satisfying.
- Zao’s Kids Meals
- Zupa’s Power Bowls (order ahead on the app)
- Harmon’s Salad Bar
- Maverik Grab and Go Snacks
- Greek yogurt
- Veggies and dip
- String cheese
- Hard boiled egg
- Candy
Staying energized on busy days requires a bit of planning and smart choices. By preparing in advance, keeping emergency snacks, and knowing where to find healthy fast-food options, you can keep hangry moments at bay and maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Remember, being prepared is always the best plan to make sure you and your family stay happy and healthy, no matter how hectic life gets.
Find more advice from Miki on Instagram, @nutritionbymiki.
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