Trying to Meet Your Nutritional Needs on the Go
By Stephen R. Farris
For the most part, we all usually try to do our best to eat healthy. Unfortunately, with our busy schedules and overall fast-paced lifestyle we sometimes find ourselves dealing with on a daily basis, it's much easier to grab a bite at a restaurant or hit the drive-thru on the way home.
Once we hit the door to our house or apartment, the last thing we feel like doing is entering the kitchen to slave over a hot stove. Eventually we start gaining weight and our mood may change as well. We become less energetic. The biggest cause could lie in our nutritional choices.
Did you know that at least half of the food on a sit-down restaurant menu is not healthy for you? Let's not leave out fast food restaurants either. According to research, about 70 percent of their food lacks the nutritional values our bodies need. At this point, you might consider making some changes to your eating habits before they become major health problems down the line.
Check the Menu
A lot of restaurants and fast food chains will try to hook you on upgrades for a few pennies more. That usually means a lot more calories, and if you're counting those, then one biggie meal plus-sized could end up equaling the total number of your caloric intake for the day. Most food places offer lighter portions, or veggie plates. Talk to your server and let them know you are looking for items they may have that are healthier and see what they suggest.
Split Meals
When dining as a couple, order a regular portion meal and split it with each other. If you normally dine alone, then eat half and save the rest for the next day. Restaurants usually don't mind if you ask for a to-go box.
Change Your Schedule
Changing your schedule to fit your nutritional needs may be asking a lot, but for your health's sake, it's certainly worth it. It doesn't have to be anything drastic. It can be something small to start with, such as making time to cook at least one meal per day at home. Eventually you may even find time to prepare more so that you can take your lunch to work.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in North Little Rock, Ark.