As of yesterday, I have been exactly a month without sugar. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss it, but the benefits far outweigh the dubious pleasures of all things sweet. Increased alertness, a far easier time getting going in the morning, and improved sleep, not to mention a little weight loss. What’s not to like?
The hardest thing is eating away from home. I am working strange hours at the moment, and am often away from home around mealtimes. Food that is available tends to be sugar and carb-laden, so meeting my needs is definitely a challenge. I know that many of you have similar experiences; healthy eating on the road is hard!
Today I am sharing my top 10 on-the-go foods. Some of them can be kept in the car always for those times when you are unexpectedly delayed. Others can be slipped into a cold bag on your way out. Incidentally, if, like me, you come home late and someone at home still expects to be fed, you can serve a selection of these on a pretty serving dish with salad leaves for an instant supper.
A selection of tasty bites for an instant supper.
- 1. Vegetable mini-bites – you can buy these from the chiller cabinet in the supermarket. One particular manufacturer (no advertising here) makes several varieties, but be sure to check the label in case of added sugar. If you can’t get these, falafel can be a good substitute. They are even nicer heated up at home.
- Spanish omelette – make this yourself the night before, or when doing breakfast and take a good wedge with you. Click here for the recipe.
- Houmous – try handy mini-tubs and sample different flavours. Do check the label, though. The other day I found that my favourite flavour contained sugar. Tzatziki, baba ganoush or guacamole would be good too. They are all available from the supermarket if you don’t want to make your own, although you will find recipes on this site.
- Nuts and seeds – store a selection of your favourites in an airtight container and they will sit happily in your car for several weeks to rescue you when hunger pangs come a-calling.
- Brown lentils – you can buy these pre-cooked in convenient sachets which don’t require refridgeration and can therefore live in the car until opened. Add a squeeze of lemon and some of the ingredients below for an instant meal.
- Canned fish – mini-tins of tuna or salmon, or tins of sardines added to lentils and/or veggies make a great meal on the go. Choose ring-pull cans to avoid having to remember a can opener, and have something with sides to decant it into to avoid mess.
- Chicken bits – you can get pre-cooked strips of chicken from most supermarkets. Many of the flavoured varieties contain sugar, so choose plain. Wrap in a lettuce leaf with some houmous or guacamole for a perfect picnic. If possible, choose the chunky bits rather than the sliced processed meat, as a forthcoming WHO report is said to link processed meats with increased risk of certain cancers.
- Cherry tomatoes – no preparation required, no mess and great for dipping. For variety, try sugar snap peas or mange tout, baby corn , broccoli florets and carrot batons, which you can buy pre-cut.
- Jars of vegetables – artichokes, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives – take your pick. Fish out with a picnic fork to add taste and texture to your instant lunch. You could even add a drop of oil from the jar along with a squeeze of bottled lemon juice for instant dressing. A useful addition to your in-vehicle entertainment.
- Tangerines. Snack-sized, sweet and come in their own biodegradable packaging. The perfect finale.
Homework: Pack a bag of sugarless food to keep in your car or handbag, so you never get caught out again. Don’t forget to carry water too. If you discover a fabulous on the go food that is not on my list, please write and tell me about it.