Food item recommendations for those "On the go"

romievizon
romievizon Posts: 11 Member
edited November 12 in Health and Weight Loss
Hello,

I am the type of person who is always on the go. I work over 30 minutes from home and my gym is in between my home and work. I have no time to cook so I am always buying food from stores. Not fast food, but I usually get groceries I take with me. (Also, it's easier to scan and put on MyFitnessPal to keep track)

Getting to the point, some of my favorites are the "Smart One's" brand. They are in the frozen food section at every Walmart, Kroger's, HEB and more. They range from about 190-300 calories per box. For chips, I like the Special K Cracker Chips. They are 90-110 calories per bag and are really good.

Is there anyone there like me who are commuters and end up buying food but watching calories? If so, share some of your favorite items.

Also, feel free to add me. I can always use others to help motivate me.

Replies

  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Wake up earlier, cook the night before, or take a day on the weekend to meal prep for the week. I have about the same commute as you (sometimes longer depending on traffic), and I make time, because its a priority.
  • Amanda4change
    Amanda4change Posts: 620 Member
    I seem to live in my car (driving my kids for school and activities). I do protein shakes, I make them in my Nutri-bullet then run out the door. If that's not for you, I second the idea of either doing prep the night before or that morning and packing a snack bag or mini cooler with cut up fruits and veggies (for things like apples if you toss them with a little lemon juice they won't turn brown), wraps or sandwiches (if you pack things like tomato separately and assemble right before eating they won't get soggy)
  • ketorach
    ketorach Posts: 430 Member
    My commute is 1.5 hours each way. I cook breakfast at home every day and bring lunch. Lunch is usually something I've bulk cooked over the weekend or leftovers from dinner.

    I also have a 7-11 on my block, which is a lifesaver for me some days if I haven't packed -- string cheese, single-serving cheddar cheese, hard boiled eggs, nuts, Quest bars.

  • segacs
    segacs Posts: 4,599 Member
    At work, do you have access to a microwave, kettle, toaster oven, or any other way of preparing food? Is there a refrigerator where you can keep some food? If so, bring ingredients to work and prepare your lunches there. Salads and sandwiches and wraps are easy, but you'd be amazed at what you can do with nothing but a plate and a microwave.

    Do you go to the gym in the morning before work? Or in the evening after work? Either way, you can certainly cook and eat dinner once you get home if you just plan for it a bit. Baking or pan-searing some meat or fish, and steaming some vegetables, doesn't take very long. A 30-minute commute is fairly typical, and if you feel like you have no time to cook because of it, you may need to re-evaluate your priorities.

    I'd say bars and frozen meals are fine occasionally, but I wouldn't personally want to get into the habit of relying on them regularly, just because I find they're very high in sodium, sugar and empty calories, and usually not as tasty as home cooked.
  • romievizon
    romievizon Posts: 11 Member
    segacs wrote: »
    At work, do you have access to a microwave, kettle, toaster oven, or any other way of preparing food? Is there a refrigerator where you can keep some food? If so, bring ingredients to work and prepare your lunches there. Salads and sandwiches and wraps are easy, but you'd be amazed at what you can do with nothing but a plate and a microwave.

    Do you go to the gym in the morning before work? Or in the evening after work? Either way, you can certainly cook and eat dinner once you get home if you just plan for it a bit. Baking or pan-searing some meat or fish, and steaming some vegetables, doesn't take very long. A 30-minute commute is fairly typical, and if you feel like you have no time to cook because of it, you may need to re-evaluate your priorities.

    I'd say bars and frozen meals are fine occasionally, but I wouldn't personally want to get into the habit of relying on them regularly, just because I find they're very high in sodium, sugar and empty calories, and usually not as tasty as home cooked.

    Wow yea you make a lot of good points. They are high in sodium. Taste is pretty good though. I do have a microwave and fridge here at work. Maybe I can make a few things at home during the weekend.

    Thanks
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