Early-morning meetings and late-night deadlines don’t always leave time for mindful eating and food prep. However, if you’re an entrepreneur on the go, it’s important to prioritize eating healthy foods that are going to keep you full and fueled during your busy day.
Hydrate for Happiness
Bookend your day with a glass of water (and hydrate while working, as well). Just because your caffeine levels may increase during your workday does not mean that your water intake should go down. Not only that, but filling up your reusable bottle is a great way to get moving and pass by a colleague’s desk for a friendly hello or check-in. These cordial water-cooler chats can even result in unexpected collaborations. If you do find yourself consuming extra caffeine throughout the day, select unsweet tea or black coffee. As a result, you won’t be drinking your calories in sugary Frappuccinos® (and consequently won’t experience a crash later). Or opt for an artificial flavor–free option, which also supports joint health.
Protein for Productivity
Throwing some garbanzo beans on top of your salad or mixing some tofu into your whole grain pasta is another way to ensure you are both full and well fueled. And we can’t forget about eggs—a tried and true protein-packed option that is relatively quick to make. The problem is that eating scrambled eggs on the go can be a little tricky (and messy). Fortunately, the sous vide egg bite was born! Starbucks™ introduced these a few years ago. Even better, food bloggers like this teach us exactly how to recreate them at home (all the flavor minus the long lines, high price tag, and extra sodium).
Energy on the Go
If you do have time to make breakfast the night before, scroll through these easy-to-make options that you can grab on your way out the door. Oats are an awesome option because they help to balance your metabolism and leave you feeling fuller longer than sugary selections (sorry, no Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ today!).
We’ve all heard of having a “candy drawer” or “snack stash” in your office, but what about a “fruit and veggie drawer” instead? Pick some sweet and shelf-stable produce at the beginning of the week, such as fiber-filled fresh apples, dehydrated pears, or dried mangos. Consider investing in a mini fridge for your workspace so you can have food like baby carrots, Greek yogurt, and fresh berries on hand, too. If there are u-pick farms near you, take advantage of selecting your own vine-ripened fruits on the weekend, which often taste better than candy—just be aware that you may never be able to go back to store-bought. If you prefer smoothies but don’t have time to get the blender out in the morning, consider a pre-made option or a convenient meal replacement shake.
Go Nuts
Sunflower seeds aren’t just for the ballpark! Load your drawer with bags of your favorite nuts so that you have something satisfying to crunch on when your stomach starts to growl. Nuts are full of fiber, protein, and (healthy!) fats. We especially go nuts for the following:
- Almonds: improves cholesterol
- Walnuts: full of omega-2 fatty acids
- Hazelnuts: high in vitamin E
- Pistachios: high in fiber
Just stick to the natural options by avoiding salty or sweet add-ons. For more info on the benefits of nuts, check out this article.
Out to Lunch
If you do find yourself at a work meeting over lunch, don’t be afraid to make substitutions. Most restaurants have no problem subbing out fried vegetables for a baked alternative or giving you a side salad instead of fries (just be sure to ask for dressing on the side, too). If soups are more your style, go for a lighter, clearer broth versus something heavy and creamy, to ensure you have flavor minus the extra fat. For more tips on how to eat healthy as an entrepreneur, check out this article.
If you‘re eating at the office, walk away from your desk for a brain break, too. Enjoy a moment catching up with coworkers, getting some fresh air, and being inspired by other people’s healthy lunches! If you don’t have time to prep a salad before you head out the door, there are a number of pre-made services, such as Freshly™.
As you plan your day, think about not only what will be healthy and quick, but also what you’d actually like to eat. Feeling stuck? Look to the rainbow for inspiration, because when it comes to food, color matters.
We hope you’re motivated to meal prep! But if you’ve got to prep for a little more than just yourself … like for a dinner that you’re hosting soon, catch up by reading our blog on “Hosting With Heart”.
