A convenient place to buy healthy food is one where you can get in and out quickly with something that will satisfy your hunger without derailing your well-balanced eating goals. This could be someplace you can drive-thru or someplace you are already shopping at for other items. Sticking to your health goals prevents diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and helps you get adequate nutrients.
Gas Station
Many snacks sold at gas stations are not healthy, but it is possible to find good choices if hunger hits while you are on the road. Many convenience stores sell string cheese, low-fat yogurt, bottles of water, fresh fruit and bags of nuts or seeds. These items are nutrient-dense and are portable. Additional items you may be able to find include hard-boiled eggs, single size servings of cereal with skim milk, 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice and canned fruits and vegetables. Mix and match these healthy choices to create a meal or snack when you are in the car or short on time.
Grocery Store
You already shop at the grocery store, so seeking out healthy foods while you are there is convenient and easy. Most supermarkets stock healthier items along the perimeter of the store. Look for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy foods and whole grain bread, pasta and crackers. Shopping at the grocery store allows you to compare nutrition labels and make the most health-conscious choice because many versions of the same food are available.
Farmer's Markets
During the spring and summer months, farmer's markets pop up all over large cities and in small towns. Shopping at these stands is often less expensive than some supermarkets and allows you to purchase fresh foods that were grown in your own community. Make a stop at a farmer's market when you are out doing other errands, saving you money while also being convenient. In addition to a variety of fruits and vegetables, you may be able to find fresh cheese, bread, meat and eggs and local farmer's markets.
Fast Food
You might not think fast food is healthy, and much of it is not, but it is possible to put together a nutritious and low-calorie meal if you look at the nutrition information beforehand. Choose single patty hamburgers over double or triple versions, go for a salad with grilled chicken or shrimp and go easy on the dressing, have a side salad or baked potato rather than an order of fries, limit sauces on your food, have water or unsweetened tea instead of soda and be sure you stick to small portions to prevent overloading on fat and calories. Most fast food restaurants post their menu and nutrition data on their website, which allows you to see what is available and make a healthy choice.
References
- Health: America's Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants; Tracy Minkin, et al.; Feb. 19, 2009
- Helpguide.org: Tips for Making Healthier Fast Food Choices; Maya W. Paul; September 2010
- Local Harvest: Real Food. Real Farmers. Real Community; 2010
- "USA Today"; Steer Toward Healthy Road Food; Nanci Hellmich; Aug. 13, 2009
- Helpguide.org: Saving Money on Healthy Food; Maya W. Paul, et al.; January 2011
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