If you are away from home finding healthy snacks and meals can be very difficult. of course you want to stay within the guildelines whenever possible, but if you have to stray, stick with whole foods in their most natural state.

At work if all you have is a vending machine and you are hungry, it is better to eat something than over eat at your next meal. since eating more frequently stabalizes your blood sugar and lets your stomach shrink. So in the vending machine choose the healthier options nuts, popcorn or a granola bar. If you just can't resist the chocolate bar, select one with added nuts and split it with a friend. Just a few bites helps quench your hunger. until you can get to a healthier option.

In regards to the rice options, it really is best to skip the white rice forever. Try sauteing some onion, garlic, celery and carrots with olive oil until soft then lightly toast the rice before adding the water. Another way to change up the taste is to add some of your homemade vegetable broth, or I enjoy adding coconut milk for an island themed dinner with lemon chicken kabobs. I always make extra coconut rice to eat for breakfast then I add unsweetened coconut, sliced almonds, and bananas with a drizzle of almond milk. If you really just have to have something different, try quinoa. It is allowed on the UM and is simple to prepare, just rinse well before cooking. You can jazz it up with all the additions from above, although I have never tried it with the coconut milk. Have fun eating healthy, it is the best choice you'll make for a longer life with less sickness and disease.

One day at a time to a healthier life.