We live in a fast paced society and sometimes eating wisely can be a task. What is available locally, what are some suggestions, and how can you start?

Luckily, with the increased interest in supplying both a quick meal and healthier menu, restaurants and eating establishments have been adding more nutritious items from which diners can choose. McDonald’s, for instance, now offers salads and in some places, low fat yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit. Most fast food restaurants also offer broiled chicken sandwiches and salads.

Traditional sit-down style restaurants, such as Applebee’s, are offering up healthy meals such as steamed veggie platters, salads, soups, and entire low fat menus which can be ready in 15 minutes.

Remember to get all dressings and condiments on the side to help you control the amount you’d like. A wonderful salad dressing to be enjoyed consists of simply squeezing a fresh tangerine or orange over your greens. Explore. Mix some fresh herbs with freshly squeezed juice for a low cal dressing delight. Have your toast or bread served dry, spread your own butter or spread on it.

If soup is to your liking, choose a non-creamy one such as minestrone, bean, or veggie. Try egg drop soup (Chinese) or miso (Japanese) for variety.

Baked potatoes are another idea. With a topping of steamed broccoli and onion, or baked beans.

Of course, probably the most nutritious meal in your daily routine is homemade. There is total control over the ingredients, portion size, taste — and cost. Schedule time for it.

Ideas include: granola; sliced apple with peanut butter; wholegrain sandwich with tuna and mustard; plain yogurt with fresh fruit; creamed soup using pureed tofu; hummus on either an English muffin or as a veggie dip...the list goes on.

Eating healthy on the run is easy...just takes some thought. Go for it and enjoy!

(Editor’s Note:: Marie E. Buckner is a freelance writer and the owner of The Unique Cookery, “the natural cuisine attitude.” She provides natural foods education through cooking classes, a cookbook series, and presentations. Sign up for her free biweekly e-zine newsletter at http://www.uniquecookery.com or contact her at (360) 613-1085.).