How to Keep Nourishing Your Body on a Busy Schedule

Sometimes, it can be different to just sit down, relax, and enjoy the little things in life. Not unless you take a vacation, sometimes it seems next to impossible. While that “go go go” lifestyle can be nice, and to a degree, it can even be rewarding, for the most part, it’s exhausting. 

Whether you’re a parent having to juggle multiple rows or even just an individual with a ridiculously busy professional and personal schedule, one major thing that tends to be an issue with busy on-the-go lives would be having a healthy diet. Just think about it for a moment: a lot of foods that are advertised for the sake of convenience aren’t always the healthiest, like the junk food at a convenience store, basically anything from a drive-thru window, and of course, the snacks and drinks at a vending machine. 

They’re filled with calories, fats, sugars, and questionable ingredients no one can even pronounce. So, how can you keep your body nourished and feeling healthy all while on a busy schedule? Well, no matter who you are or what your schedule is, it’s definitely possible to eat healthy and not cut into your schedule (at least not too much). So, here’s exactly what you need to know.

Embrace the Art of Meal Prepping

Alright, alright, so when it comes to eating on the go, this is always the first tip that’s out there. While sure, it’s overdone to a small degree, you still need to keep in mind how true and how powerful this actually is! So, you’ll need to take some time each week to plan your meals and snacks. This means that you’ll need to prepare portion-controlled, nutrient-dense meals that are easy to grab on your way out. Plus, you’ll need to invest in quality storage containers to keep your meals fresh and easily transportable.

They don’t need to be fancy; ones from IKEA or Amazon will be.  If you literally have no time in the slightest, which is sadly for some to deal with, then you could also look into Hello Fresh, Factor, or other similar companies that take out all of the work for you. But these are on the more expensive side, so if you want to save money while eating healthy, then it’s best to DIY it, but if you have enough money but no time, than using a company might be better.

You Need to Keep Hydrated

For a lot of busybodies, coffee and other caffeinated drinks are usually their best friend. It’s totally understandable, and in moderation, caffeine can be pretty good. But in general, it’s not only what you eat that you need to be cautious about but what you drink, too. Most offices have vending machines, and convenience stores are just loaded with sugary drinks. 

But it’s best to stick to water and just carry a reusable water bottle with you and make a habit of sipping water throughout the day. If plain water isn't appealing, infuse it with slices of citrus, cucumber, or mint for a refreshing twist. But in general, just try to avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, as they can lead to energy crashes later on.

Snack Smartly

Snacking doesn't have to mean reaching for processed, unhealthy options. Sure, it’s usually what’s most advertised, but it’s something that you really don’t need to do. So, stock up on convenient, portable snacks that are rich in nutrients. When it comes to packing snacks, this doesn’t take nearly as long as meal prep, maybe five minutes tops. So, since it’s such a short amount of time, why not consider options like fresh fruit, pre-cut vegetables with hummus, yogurt, nuts, or whole-grain crackers with cheese? 
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If you still lack time for prepping these, then you can buy prepackaged ones- since grocery stores are loaded with them, but of course, you could go for a tastier option such as buying a box of high protein bars to eat as a post-workout snack or a little pick-me-up during your day.

​Be Mindful of Fast Food

If you can cook at home and have all of the kitchen essentials at home, then it’s still going to be best to go this route, but sometimes, there’s literally no time to go home and cook. Maybe you head out at 6 am, and you won’t be home close to midnight, of course, then it’s just flat-out not possible, and then you’re limited to options like the convenience store, going out to eat, or, of course, some fast food. 
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Eating fast food is okay in moderation When trying to eat healthier, whether it’s to lose weight or whatever you’re after. So, during the time you’re stuck with fast food, it’s best to be mindful. So, you could opt for grilled proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. Many restaurants now offer healthier alternatives, such as salads, wraps, or customizable bowls. But in general, just be conscious of portion sizes and consider sharing larger meals to avoid overeating.

Have Mindful Eating Habits

To a degree, this piggybacks on what was said above. It’s just best to go ahead and have mindful eating habits. So, regardless of your schedule, try to cultivate mindful eating habits. This means that it’s going to be best to avoid eating in front of screens or while multitasking (it essentially causes mindless eating). 

You should take the time to savor each bite, chew your food thoroughly, and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues- basically, you’ll want to eat how the French eat. So yes, even if you’re on the go, you absolutely need to give yourself at least 20 minutes per year, to just eat your food, enjoy the flavors, and this moment of rest you have with your food. Mindfulness and nourishment go together, so give yourself this, at least.
Eating healthy on the go is not only possible but can become a sustainable part of your busy lifestyle with a bit of planning and mindful choices. Sure, some schedules are busier than others, especially if you’re someone who’s having to juggle multiple roles all at the same time. But at the end of the day, you need to eat, you need rest, and you need to nourish yourself. In the long run, you’re only hurting yourself if you’re not eating healthy, so no matter what schedule you have, you absolutely need to do this.

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