I started a new job and I’m constantly on the road so I can’t exactly pack perishable food with me. As a result, I’ve had to be very strategic in planning my meals because otherwise two extremes could happen: I’ll either over indulge eating out or I won’t eat at all. Neither of which are outcomes I want! First we’ll go over strategy, then we’ll go over my Tricks for the Road.
The Strategy
Scheduling
As you may know, I was an avid subscription meal kit girl when I was at a standard 9-5 corporate job and knew I’d be home for meal times. I still highly advocate for meal kits, but since I have such a variable schedule at the moment I unfortunately I’ve taken a break from my subscription until I’m positive I can commit again to being available to cook the meals and won’t have to freeze them.
I also used to be a regular “Sunday is my grocery shopping day”, but since my schedule is so variable I can go to the grocery store other days and skip the “Sunday-Get-Ready-for-the-Week Rush”. I absolutely love that I can grocery shop at off hours, but it makes it even more crucial that I'm planning my meals and grocery trips so I don’t overbuy things I won't be able to make in time. I cannot stand wasting food, but I’m also very concerned with food safety so I strictly abide by expiration dates.
All this to say, my biggest takeaway when it comes to scheduling is to look at when you’ll be able to make the meals before you plan a grocery trip. Compared to the alternative of buying groceries that you assume you’ll eat at some point. I will say, Trader Joe’s frozen section has been a lifesaver during this chaotic time to be able to heat something up to eat when I’m home and don’t have any groceries in my fridge. Along those lines, however, I highly encourage you to leave room and plan for social meals in your schedule! Which is a great segue into the next part of strategizing my meals which is budgeting.
Budgeting
Now when I think of budgeting for my meal strategy I think of not only the financial, but also the caloric budget that goes into my meals.
I’ve recently shifted my mindset to allocate my monetary and caloric budgets appropriately to allow me to be social, enjoy meals out, and not waste food or money. Nobody likes the excuse “I can’t go because I have food at home”. Especially because socializing over meals is actually really great for your health!
Furthermore, lately with good ole inflation my grocery bill seems like it’d cost the same or cheaper to eat out! Of course, when you’re eating out you can lose out on the ability to prepare your food in a healthier way or you may not know the ingredient quality/quantity they’re using. However, again, if you plan accordingly around this you can probably make this all work for you in your favor!
The way I see it, it’s not hard for me to rationalize planning to eat out when I’m short on time, it’d be cheaper to just eat out, especially if I can eat “healthily” doing so. If it makes it easier on myself, makes more sense for my schedule, and my budget(s) then it’s a no brainer for me!
Of course, when we’re strategizing a meal plan, we may want to also keep in mind the calories and macronutrients we’re consuming. Not that we always need to be tracking, but since when you’re eating out you’re not in control of how the food is being prepared, those hidden calories from oil and butter might sneak up on you unexpectedly! So, if calories are provided maybe try to do some quick math and make sure you’re not overindulging too much, too often.
Tricks for the Road
When I’m on the go and want something healthy and ready to eat these are my go-to’s!
Grocery Stores
Most grocery stores have a grab and go section and most typically have decently healthy meals you can eat on the run. There’s usually sandwiches, salads, veggie and fruit medleys, maybe yogurt parfaits, and other good to go options.
Oftentimes if I don’t know what I want to eat, but want to avoid fast food I’ll see if there’s a Whole Foods, Target, or Publix (or insert your local grocery store example here) and pursue their grab and go options knowing these are typically better for you and not as expensive as healthy options.
My Favorite Healthy Fast Food Restaurant Options
★ Chipotle
★ Cava
★ Tropical Smoothie
★ Chick Fil A (I actually really enjoy their Market Salad and it’s only ~550 calories)
Favorite Non Perishable Snacks to Pack for the Road
★ Nuts
★ Popcorn
★ I love the Cliff Minis because they are organic ingredients.
★ I started getting into Chomps jerky to make get extra protein in as well
The Takeaway
I’ll admit, clean eating on the road isn’t easy. It takes knowledge, planning, and practice. Once you have the information and a system down though you can fit it into your lifestyle and stay well and healthy doing so! Don’t restrict and limit yourself just because you assume eating at home will be cheaper or healthier when in actuality that might not always be the case!
When it comes to strategizing these are my key takeaways:
★ Know when you’ll be home to cook & eat your meals
★ Don’t overbuy! (Or have a storage/preservation plan in mind)
★ A couple healthy frozen options (my personal favorites are all from Trader Joe’s) in your freezer will be a lifesaver to have in stock!
★ Budget financially and calorically
★ Don’t forget to account for opportunities to eat with others!