Redefining Fast Food

Protein-Packed, Portable Meals and Snacks to Keep You on Track No Matter How Hectic Your Day Gets

By Julia Lacy-Adelè

When do you find it hardest to stay on track with your nutrition? Weekends? Evenings? Breakfast? Or more likely whenever you're rushing from one place to the next?

Yes, the answer I most frequently hear to that question is: when I'm on the go!

Ain't that the truth?!

It can be so hard to stay on track when you have to take the kids here, but you need to be there… at the exact same time. Or you're set with your day until you discover a meeting has been set—at the other side of town—and you only have minutes to get there. Or maybe time just got away from you, and you realize you're already late… so now you're running out the door.

Our hectic lifestyles can add a completely new challenge to eating right. And that's why I've come up with a few good recipes that can come to the rescue.

Trust me, they're delicious, easy to make, and even easier to pack. Sure, you still have to plan ahead. But these are readily available foods that are easy to keep on hand. So it will be a "no brainer." You'll no longer have to hunt frantically for something "healthy," or at least healthier, on the road. Now, you can just grab and go—from your own fridge and pantry.

Peanut Chicken

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Shred your chicken and toss it in a small bowl with dressing.
2. Add your cooked rice, peas (still frozen), and carrots from bag. Mix together and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (for full recipe):

Mandarin Chicken

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Shred your chicken. Combine it with rice and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together a quarter cup liquid from mandarin, one tablespoon sesame oil, two teaspoons light soy sauce, and chopped green onion.
3. You can store these in two separate containers and simply toss together when you're ready to eat.

Nutrition Facts (for full recipe):

Chicken Pitas

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together and stuff into pita shells. Talk about fast and portable!

Nutrition Facts (for full recipe):

Chicken Curry Bites

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Chop chicken tenders into bite-size pieces and place into a small bowl.
2. Add curry paste and mayo, carrots, and green onion. Mix well.
3. Store in airtight container for a super convenient, tasty treat!

Nutrition Facts (for full recipe):

Tuna Salad

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. Store in an airtight container for another quick and very nutritious meal.

Nutrition Facts (for full recipe):

I know, some of these recipes seem almost traditional—like what your mom may have packed for your lunch when you were a kid. But you know what? That's why they have sticking power. They work! They're packed with healthy ingredients, taste great, are quick and easy to make, and are easy to take almost anywhere. All you need to add is a fork.

And please, when you're back home or at your desk, hop on our message board and share some of your tips, techniques, or recipes that help you stay on track—even when your schedule doesn't…

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