But what CAN I eat?

This is often the question that people changing their way of eating find they are asking themselves… or me. They have a list of what NOT to eat, which can leave them feeling discouraged and frustrated.

The Key to Success with a Healing Diet

The key to sticking with your healing diet is to focus on all of the new ingredients you can add into your diet that you might not have had before. Increasing the amounts and variety of vegetables, herbs and good quality meats on your plate may help you discover a love for a never-before-tried variety of produce, or even a joy for cooking. Dr. Hyman states it well in his book The Blood Sugar Solution,

“… You will discover a whole new world of Mother Nature’s magnificent food pantry, which will delight your senses, stimulate your palate, and leave you feeling clear and healthy, not to mention automatically thinner.”

I am huge believers in cooking at home, and there are many great recipes out there that make this fun and easy. The internet has made recipes of all types accessible for everyone. When struggling with the dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?” simply look up “paleo recipes” or “real food recipes” and prepare to be inspired. Or check my Pinterest pages: Katie Palmer’s Pinterest.

However, I also know that sometimes life gets a little crazy and getting to the kitchen is unrealistic. It can easily happen that you are out longer than expected and starting to get (shall I say) hangry!

But- What Do You Do When You Don't Have Time To Cook?

Don’t panic – here are a few treasures for when you are in a pinch…

Sardines

Sardines are a good source of Omega 3s and protein. They can be found in practically all grocery stores, and are delicious by themselves. Pay attention to the ingredients! Sardines often contain soy oil; look instead for olive oil or water.

Olives

Olives are another good source of fat. A few companies are now offering olives in individual serving pouches. Bonus!

Beef Jerky

Beef Jerky is a high protein item that can be stashed in your purse or car for desperate measures. Many jerkies contain added sugars, but there are some brands that do not. Try finding brands that say gluten free or paleo friendly, a couple to look for are EPIC and THE NEW PRIMAL.

Vegetables

Get your fiber in for the day! Many vegetable are wonderful raw. Sometimes you can find organic vegetables already sliced for you at health food stores; but, if you can’t find them, try munching on some snack sized veggies such as cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, radishes, or snap peas.

Grain Free Crackers

Believe it or not, there are many options now for grain-free crackers, most of which are made with almond flour. They make for a great quick snack and are delicious paired with sardines or nut cheese.

Nut Cheese

Many health food stores and some gourmet grocery stores now carry nut cheeses. Read the ingredients to make sure there is no added gluten or soy products.

Nuts and Nut Butters

These small packets of nut butters are genius! Again check the ingredients, some products are filled with unwanted oils. What you are looking for in the ingredient list is the nut only! Pair these with some organic baby carrots or celery sticks.

Raw snacks and bars

There are many items out there which are packaged as “raw”. Use your best judgement on these and as always read the ingredients. Look for products without added sweeteners such as agave, and be sure there are more nuts and seeds than high sugar fruits.

Berries

Berries are a great choice if you are having a sweet tooth attack! They are not as high in sugars as other fruits, even still be sure to pair them with a high protein snack such as nuts, or eat them after a well balanced meal.

Grain Free Granolas

They are “a thing,” and they are delicious! Many of these items are filled with a variety of nuts and fruits. Enjoy them out of the bag or pour them in a bowl with some coconut or almond milk.

I Want To Hear From YOU

So the next time you are out and have to eat RIGHT NOW! – don’t worry, there are many options out there, You don’t have to give up on all the hard work you are doing for yourself. Read the ingredients and make sure that everything inside is real food and that they do not contain any foods you would normally try to avoid. You really CAN do this!

Do you have a favorite quick bite to grab? I would love to hear your ideas so that I can pass them on to others .