Be Resourceful: Positively Picky

I am a picky eater.  This realization has been a difficult concept to grasp since I used to unconsciously judge people who were difficult to please with respect to food. I assumed it was a function of being closed-minded or stubborn.  I used to eat pretty much everything, and was always more than willing to try the most exotic of foods. I still consider myself to be an adventurous eater but as my understanding and interest in nutrition has evolved, my tastes and preferences have changed accordingly. So, now, I am eating my words and coming to grips with the reality that picky can be a good thing.

More than just picky, being healthy means having standards in terms of quality and health benefits--not to the point where you become crazy and obsessive, but just being conscious about what you put into your mouth.  It is much more enjoyable to eat something less nutritionally beneficial when it is really special—like a fabulous piece of chocolate cake every now and then when you want it, instead of using your junk food budget on potato chips when you are starving just because it is the only thing available.

Of course, pickiness for the sake of health presents challenges when the preparation or purchasing of food is not completely within our control. To help make eating well practical and cheap, I put good use to food that travels well and carry a stash around with me wherever I go like a little healthy packhorse.  Along with my yoga outfit and laptop, I always have a buffet of healthy snacks with me to save me from choosing between eating junk or being hungry all day.

Here is a list of some healthy foods that I have found travel very well:

Avocato-all you need is a plastic knife and it you can eat it by itself.  It is probably an acquired taste, but is decadent and the high fat—healthy fat—content will keep you satiated for a long time.  It is an ideal raw healthy snack that doesn’t need refrigeration.

Bananas

Orange

Apple

Larabars-raw vegan bars made with dates, nuts and spices

Justin’s Nut Butters-I always have a pack of this stuff on me.  Most of the time I just eat it out of the package.  A little weird, but it works for me!

Organic Oatmeal Packs-not the sugary artificially flavored stuff, of course.  This is only great if you have a way to get the hot water to put it in, but don’t forget every coffee shop and most restaurants have it if you are desperate.