Moving
Things have been so crazy for our family over the past few weeks. However, it served as a humbling experience for me to remember how truly hard it is to eat well when life gets in the way.
Looking back, here are some survival tips:
- Cut yourself some slack. You’re not going to be perfect, so lose the guilt trip and do the best you can.
- Pick out a couple options you know are safe at fast food restaurants.
Chicken Tostado Salad at Taco Bell. I skipped the rice and just had beans on the bottom on the shell. I also took a few bites of the tostado shell before pitching it. Probably counts as 2 proteins, 1/2 a starch, and 1 1/2 cups veggies the way I did it. Protein-style hamburger at In ‘N Out. Skip the “secret sauce” and add mustard or a little ketchup instead. I’m guessing it counts as about 3 proteins and maybe 1/2 a serving of vegetables. Add more lettuce and tomato to make it a full serving! - Remember to hydrate! It’s easy to get behind on your fluid intake, so keep a water bottle with you and try to drink two cups at a time to get as close as you can to the recommended 8 cups per day.
- Keep protein bars readily-available, apples in your purse, and supplements on hand to have between meals. If too much time goes by, all willpower will be out the window at the next meal.
- Try to do something daily, no matter how brief it may be, to pamper yourself. Taking a warm shower or bath, reading a bit before bed, or any other activity you enjoy will make you feel rewarded; without reaching toward the sweets!
What have you done to survive during busy times?
Laurie Ward received her Nutrition and Food Science degree from Chico State University. She moved to Los Gatos in 2006, where she continued nutrition counseling, and also became an AFAA-certified personal trainer. Laurie is passionate about helping clients become healthier, happier, and lighter. Contact her at 
Salad bar – go for right before lunch rush and pile on salad items to eat now, and cookable items which keep for dinner – broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, peas in pods, turkey, etc. Eat the salad for lunch, save the rest for afternoon snack and dinner. At the end of your busy day, veggies and protein are already prepped for a fast, one-pan saute. Less dishes too. (Use your own tupperware – food keeps better and no trash and you get to feel smug about that.)