Eating Healthy On the Go

As a young professional on the go, there are a multitude of "excuses" why one cannot eat healthy: I go out to eat too often, I am too busy to prepare healthy foods, I need "substantial" food to keep me energized, etc.

Quite frankly, preparing your own foods at home will not only save you money and food, but your health and life as well.

For instance... I will generally take one day and purchase my food for the week. What most individuals do not realize is that food, for the most part, can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week, without spoiling, if it is properly stored. I will touch on a few key tips on the next few posts - but today... chicken (or in French "poulet").

Chicken is a low in fat, pure protein that can also withstand freezing and dethawing. A simple, healthy manner of preparing chicken breast?

Season both sides of a chicken breast, without skin, with lemon juice, smoked sea salt, pinch of cayenne and any type of dried herb - herbs de Provence, oregano, italian seasoning, etc. Mix it up in order to prevent your palate from tiring from the same seasonings and flavors. Either sear with walnut/almond or olive oil or bake in the oven on a baking sheet, lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with non-stick spray (this eliminates the need for oil - saving calories). Chicken is fully cooked when no longer pink and 165 degrees internal temperature.

Now how does one transfer to the office? Cut the cooked chicken breasts into pieces and freeze in individual portion sizes (in plastic bags, then store in tupperware to eliminate freezer burn). Or - cook, then store in the refrigerator for up to one week. In order to create a healthy office lunch, throw some greens into a tupperware container, along with a multitude of vegetables. Often, I will drizzle kale with lemon juice in the morning, then store in the office refrigerator. The acid in the lemon will aid in eliminating the "bitter" bite of kale. At lunchtime, I will throw in some cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, toasted almonds, chopped cauliflower and broccoli, hearts of palm, carrots, beets, onions, bell peppers, etc. Combined with the chopped chicken and a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinaigrette or olive oil - and voila - healthy, fresh salad to fuel you through the day. Combined with a slice of whole wheat bread and your body will love you.

"Cooking at once is child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love." - Craig Clairborne

Take the time to prepare healthy meals for you and your loved ones. You will not regret the decision.

Love y'all dearly!! ♥