Healthy Habits: Portable Eats

Although I would like to be able to prepare a well-rounded, nutritious meal every time my tummy grumbles, sometimes my schedule simply does not allow for time-consuming cookery. Whether it's packing a lunch for work, stashing a few snacks for class, or picking out an emergency stash for the airport, choosing convenient, portable, yet healthful eats merely requires a little forethought and some simple equipment.

First, decide whether you want to bring hot, cold, or room temperature items. From there, you need to assemble the right equipment. Ever since I got my first job in high school, I have been collecting various meal containers and lunchbox systems. My favorites include:

Laptop Lunch Box (purchased from the manufacturer)
(For more of my LLB creations, visit flickr, where my user name is Tofurky1224)

Tupperware Meal Solutions to Go Pack (purchased from Amazon)
Fit & Fresh (purchased from Bed, Bath, and Beyond)

Or simply your favorite food storage containers! (these purchased from Ikea)
While I did not purchase a thermos for any of these systems, they provide an excellent solution if you prefer a hot lunch. Be sure to remember your napkin and utensils!
As for choosing the fare itself, my packing principle is simple: aim for as many food groups to be included in the meal as possible. Although it's not always feasible to include all the food groups in one "moveable feast," a portion of protein and a whole grain serving are my minimum requirements. Here are few of my favorite ways to balance my plate:

Vegetables: carrots, sliced crudites, low-sodium V8, veggie sandwich toppers, small salads
Fruits: choose your favorite! Most fruits are easily transported with or without refrigeration.
Protein: Hummus, bean dip, frozen veggie patties, Tofurky, soynuts
Fat: Trail mix, nut butters, tahini or oil-based salad dressing used as a dip, olives for salads or sandwiches
Grains: whole grain bread, bagels, wraps, pitas, crackers, cereal
Dairy/Calcium Source: string cheese, boxed soymilk


Assembly of the above ingredients is entirely up to you and your creativity. Here are few that work well for me and my lifestyle, in terms of ease of transport and consumption:

Snack mix (with cereal, dried fruit, nuts and/or soynuts)
Sandwiches with soy-based meat analogs, hummus, or nut butters
*Note: it's wise to use Sunbutter or peanut-free alternatives when traveling in small spaces such as an airplane. Unfortunately, some fellow passengers may have a sensitive peanut allergy!

Whole food bars (such as Larabar or Vega Vibrance bars)
Hummus with dippers
Nut butter with dippers

These are the guidelines I use to make sure I don't have to rely on the vending machine for dinner (sadly, Twizzlers, do not qualify as a balanced meal).

I hope you find this post useful, and enjoy your evening:)