Family on the Go: Eating Healthy on a Tight Schedule

Busy families often find it difficult to make time for healthy food. It's so much easier to swing through the drive-thru than to go home and make a home-cooked meal. Many families think they don't have time for a home-cooked meal even if they wanted it. But you don't have to sacrifice your family's health in the name of convenience.

Cook extra

On the occasions that you do have time to cook, double the recipe and store the extra in the fridge or freezer. Most meals will hold up well as leftovers. Lasagna, soups, breads, pies, meats, and most other meals can be frozen and quickly reheated for a future dinner. If nothing else, you can save some leftovers for the next day's lunch.

Don't insist on gourmet meals at home

"Home-cooked" does not have to mean "time-consuming." Many healthy meals take little time and effort to prepare. Spaghetti is a yummy, healthy dinner that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. A crock pot is a wonderful tool for the family on the go - simply toss in some ingredients in the morning, and by the time everyone gets home in the evening, a delicious, healthy meal will be waiting. If you have an indoor grill such as a George Foreman grill, frozen meat can become a delicious entrée in minutes, with little effort. Check out your local library or bookstore, or even online, to find one of many cookbooks tailored specifically toward on-the-go families, featuring fast meals and recipes that can be prepared ahead of time.

Buy "travel food" at the grocery store instead of the drive-thru

A lunchmeat sandwich takes less than a minute to prepare and is much healthier than a greasy fast-food burger. Other items such as pretzel sticks, cheese with crackers, and fruit are healthy portable snacks that kids and adults can enjoy. Juice boxes and bottled water are healthier drink choices than sodas and sports drinks, and are just as convenient and more satisfying. You'll actually save time and money preparing some of these on-the-go foods yourself instead of sitting in the drive-thru lane waiting for your order.

Make healthier fast food choices

If you simply must go to the drive-thru, there are plenty of healthier options available for you and your kids. Most fast-food restaurants offer delicious salads, and many now offer fruit cups or yogurt as an alternative to french fries. Order a juice or a milk instead of a soda with your child's meal, and for adults, a cup of ice water is a refreshing substitute for a sugary soft drink.

A healthy lifestyle does not have to be out of reach just because your family is always on the go. With a little planning and motivation, even the busiest family can make healthier food choices and lead healthier lives.