Healthy Eating on the Go

Healthy eating on the go can be a challenge. I work at a job that doesn't allow me to eat for a 7 hour period. I know for some that is no big challenge, but once your body adjusts to getting fuel every 2-3 hours, that 7 hour stretch can feel like a lifetime. It is harder to concentrate on my job when I'm hungry and for health reasons I would like to have a meal during that time. How can this be accomplished?

Enter the smoothie. When my roommate first suggested I try a smoothie, I thought of the mess and hassle. He told me that it isn't that big of a deal and cleaning a blender can take less than a minute. I decided to give it a shot and wow... what a difference it's made in my body. The smoothie is tasty and can easily replace an otherwise unhealthy meal with about 5 minutes from prep to clean up. The secret is having a blender at home and also something that will allow you to take your smoothie with you. I like a Nalgene bottle, but if you have something that would work better please recommend it to me. 

Now that you have your supplies, what are you going to put into your smoothie?

-You'll need some sort of liquid. I just use water but milk, juice, and tea are options as well.

-A protein source. I know some people think they don't need protein if they're not lifting weights, but protein is an essential macro-nutrient that your body won't store as fat- making it a prime candidate for our shake.

-Frozen fruit is a cheap and healthy way to give your smoothie that store bought taste. Fruit is really what gives the smoothie its flavor. I have been using mixed berries and it's just awesome.

-Yogurt/Cottage Cheese/Both thickens up the smoothie and makes it more like a milk shake. This is a good place to add in some more healthy carbs and protein.

-Peanut Butter/Nuts are good additions if you are trying to gain weight. Packing in calories has never been easier than adding 2 servings of peanut butter to your shake. I never use whole nuts, but I know people who enjoy the texture and it is a good option.

-Misc. The beauty of the smoothie is it's adaptability. If you think something would be good in there, throw it in and give it a shot! Spinach maybe?

As for cleaning out your blender, I've found the following to be a successful and easy way of operating: rinse out the blender, fill the blender halfway with hot water, add dish soap, run blender on high for 20-30 seconds, re-rinse, and then put in a drying rack upside down.

I drink these smoothies at home, work, and even on long commutes. They are super convenient, healthier, and cheaper than any fast food meal out there. Get yourself a blender and give it a shot! Your body will thank you.