Being constantly ‘on-the-go’ is one of the most difficult aspects of eating healthy and maintaining proper nutrition. I don’t know about you, but I spend a large part of my day in the car, running errands, driving kids to school and back and then from activity to activity – and that’s just the daily weekday routine. It is much worse on the weekends – long roadtrips to get to a tournament, spending the weekend at a 2-star hotel with continental breakfast, lots of driving and lots of sitting around. To put it simply, for most of us it can be discouraging and nearly impossible to maintain fitness and nutritional goals while on the go.

However, with a little bit of planning ahead and some effort (I’m not going to sugar-coat it…it takes quite a bit of effort to maintain a routine while on the go..but it’s worth it!) you can stay within the rails you’ve set for yourself.

Here is a list and links to some of my favorite items – and yes I do fly with these if needed:

• A reliable travel blender
  • I do not leave overnight without my amazing travel blender. If I am going on a shorter trip (2 nights or less) I usually pack a more portable cordless blender. I recently purchased the Ninja Blast Portable Blender on Amazon and I am obsessed. It is perfect for protein shakes and green smoothies on the go. It is also convenient for days when I know I’ll be running around. For longer trips, I usually like to bring my Ninja Nutri Blender. It is a corded blender with a little more power and perfect to use in hotel rooms. It comes with multiple containers so you can pre-make a couple of shakes or smoothies to sustain you through at least 2 meals.
• Protein powder travel containers
  • This is a must when traveling or even to keep in your gym bag. These Protein Powder Containers are stackable and have a convenient funnel top. I like to fill each container with a scoop of protein powder and a tablespoon of hemp seeds for extra protein and fiber.
• Travel Salad Container
  • With 4 kids in youth sports, I often find myself with an intense weekend schedule that leaves little to no room for a healthy meal. That’s why, just like I pack snacks and sandwiches for the kids, I plan my meal schedule ahead of time and pack myself enough food to sustain me for whatever is on the schedule that day. I love to pack a healthy, protein-filled (usually a hard-boiled egg and blackened salmon are involved), and filling salad. I use the Swell Salad Bowl because it has separate levels so that I can keep the protein separate from the greens, and even a smaller container for the dressing (usually olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper). I highly recommend!
• Protein Bars
  • I always keep a couple of bars in the car or in my purse, just in case! Although I don’t think you should rely on these consistently, sometimes they can provide just the energy you need to keep you from derailing your plan. Especially during a long drive, protein bars can be key to your success. Be cautions when choosing a protein bar, many of them contain ingredients that are highly inflammatory and can actually be detrimental to health and nutrition goals. I like the Double Chocolate Chunk Quest Bars.
• Almond Butter Pouches
  • Almond butter pouches are a great option as dietary healthy fat and for a quick boost of energy, while on the go. I’ve tried a few options and there are many out there (read the ingredients and opt for a pure almond butter without any added sugars option). Right now I like the Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter Snack Packs. Please note that peanut butter is not a great substitute because peanuts are highly inflammatory. I recommend you stay away from peanut butter and peanut products, period.
• Mint Tea Bags & Travel Mug
  • I do not leave the house without a thermal travel mug. Hot tea is one of my staples as I navigate the time in between meals. I love to keep a couple of mint tea bags in my purse or in my travel bag. Mint tea is a healthy and tasty way to hydrate in between meals and can keep you feeling full.

These are just a few of the plan-ahead items I like to keep with me to support my nutrition and health goals while on the go. I hope this is helpful to you as you continue to make adjustments to your routine in order to achieve your goals.