Vegan Food Choices on a Hectic Schedule
Food is often the first thing to go when life gets busy. Eating on the run is not the most nourishing or satisfying experience but it get’s us by when we have no other choice.
As vegetarians it is even harder, and as vegans almost impossible. What we end up grabbing for is virtually anything. Corn chips and salsa, bought dips full of diary and preservatives, processed biscuits, breads, cakes, tinned foods, bought sandwiches on inferior breads and grains.
This is acceptable every now and then but not as a way of life. The impact may be minimal in the short term but in the long term our internal systems begin to deteriorate. This deterioration is not visible to the naked eye which lures us into a false sense of security. If I’m OK on the outside, I must be OK on the inside.
Prolonged busy busy busy is anti health. The two can’t go together. If this sounds like you, the first thing I would ask myself is how come I am so busy? Busy becomes an addiction which is often masking something deeper underneath. Ask yourself what will happen if I stop? Is there anything I am avoiding feeling that if I stop I’ll be forced to feel? Have I taken on too much because I don’t know how to say no or I do not like confrontation? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, do something about it, so that you are not a slave to your reactions.
Often circumstances are beyond our control and all there is to do, is ride the busy wave. Regardless of the reasons here are some food tips to minimize the negative impact. To have handy when you are on the run:
Good quality condiments such as Celtic sea salt, Braggs, and organic oils for salads, sandwiches and tinned food.
tins of organic (where ever possible) legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, cannelloni beans.
fresh and raw vegetables such as whole carrots, salad mix, cherry tomatoes. Get into the habit of snacking on these.
nuts such as almonds, cashews, pecans and macadamia and dried fruit such as dates
heaps of drinking water with lemon (carry lemons in your hand bag or brief case) (avoid caffeine and alcohol).
an eye for smart eateries; choose Asian eateries and takeaway places that make laksa and sushi over local bakeries that sell pies, buns, and cakes.
stock up on supplements such as Spirulina tablets and super-foods such as cacao.
an eye for juice bars grab one when ever you see one, and go for vegetable juices with shots or barley or wheat grass.
You can still maintain an alkaline system when you are on the run. This is the goal. Stress produces acidity but you can counteract this as much as possible by what you eat. At some stage you need to stop and rest and give your nervous system a break. Make a promise to yourself, you deserve it!