Choosing Healthy Foods
:: Lunch on the Run

With such hectic schedules, the idea of planning and making a nutritious lunch can be a daunting task. The good news is that it is possible for a nutritious lunch to be quick and easy.

Try these quick and easy solutions:

• Planned leftovers. Make extra dinner and pack the leftovers for lunch. This way, by the time dinner is over; your lunch is already made for the next day.
• Keep your desk or car packed with portable and healthy items for lunch. This way you won't be tempted to find a vending machine or a fast food drive thru. These include:
  
  
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned beans in tomato sauce
  • Low-fat granola bars
  • Canned fish
  • Low-fat whole grain crackers
  • Cold cereal
  • Fruit leather
  • Peanut butter
  • Milk puddings
    
    
• Reserve a kitchen drawer or space to keep portable lunch supplies together and easy to grab. Include a wide-mouth thermos, insulated lunch bag, reusable containers, water bottles, baggies, plastic utensils, napkins and straws.
• Pack your lunch the night before. It saves time and stress in the morning.
• Clean and cut raw vegetables and pack them in plastic bags to grab and go.
• Bake low-fat muffins or quick breads on the weekend. Package them into individual servings and keep them in the freezer.
• Consider buying food pre-packaged in small servings. The time you save and the food you don't waste can make up for the additional cost.

Healthy Eating for Busy People