What I Eat in a Day: Healthy “Fast Food”

by | Updated: December 4th, 2016 | Read time: 2 minutes

Even a Registered Dietitian will admit that some fast food chains are more virtuous than others. And maybe it’s okay if you sneak into one of those “healthier” eateries every once in a (long) while. The better choice, however, would be to keep a few grab-and-go meals and snacks stocked in your kitchen. There’s a quick solution to every part of your day – morning, noon and night – so you’re never deprived.

 

But if you do happen upon a well-lit, open-all-night pit stop, try to maintain some sort of nutritional balance (a la my Chipotle dinner).

Breakfast: To pair with my iced coffee, I chose non-fat Greek yogurt with one peach, one banana and half an apple. I topped off the bowl with dried cranberries, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and, of course, cinnamon!

Lunch: Like I was saying, it’s okay to choose convenience foods when you really need a quick, healthy meal. Just be sure to choose the best of the bunch. I picked up a package of all-natural, gluten- and preservative-free chicken burgers, which hardly take any time to make. Paired with leftover rice and sliced tomatoes, I have a complete meal ready in minutes!

Something sweet: Immediately after lunch, I was craving something sweet. A fresh nectarine and a piece of Endangered Species Dark Chocolate with 88% Cocoa did the trick!

Afternoon snack: I prefer to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. The key is keeping an eye on nutrients. Larabars are made from real, whole-food ingredients.

Dinner: This was my favorite meal of the day, because it really felt like an indulgence – a total turn from the norm. Chipotle! I thoroughly enjoyed my fresh-tasting tacos, plus I had plenty for leftovers. Happy belly, happy day!