Sometimes making your lunch at home just isn’t in the cards.  Don’t worry, there are still lots of good ways for you to eat clean when you’re out about.  Today we’re gonna talk about some great fast food alternatives...Real Food on the run.

Grocery stores are cool.  I should know since I visit Publix about four times a week.  Normally I’m getting some fresh produce, or restocking my proteins.  But it is also a pretty darn good place to get a meal...or three.

Lets start with some goals:

1. 1.It’s gotta be Real Food...nothing processed.
   

2. 2.It’s gotta be easy to eat...little or no preparation.
   

3. 3.It’s gotta be easy to store and throw away.
   

4. 4.It’s gotta be tasty...and cheap
   

Now our tour of the grocery store is going to primarily be around the perimeter.  We’ll hit the deli, produce, dairy and seafood sections.

In the Deli, we’ll find our first meal winner...and we don’t have to do a darn thing.  Get 1/4 or 1/2 of a rotisserie chicken with two sides.  Publix usually has collard greens, stewed okra/tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese (don’t do it).  A meal with two sides is less than $5.  They wrap it up so the juices won’t spill...just tell ‘em to forget the roll.

Bam, one meal done with a five spot and about four minutes total time in the store!

Meal number two is also starting in the deli.  We’re going to ask for 6oz or Turkey for our protein.  This comes out to around .33 - .40 pounds.  If you want to make a few different meals, ask the lady to pack the meat in two different baggies so you don’t have to worry about figuring out the portions later on.  Also grab some spicy mustard (free), plasticware, and napkins.  The mustard is an awesome condiment.

Next stop is the produce section.  Here, we’re going to grab a small container of grape tomatoes, one apple or one pear.  A pretty sweet treat all together.  I always have almonds with me, so that is going to be my fat source for this meal.

It’s not a go-to meal, since it’s a little high glycemic...but on the run it’s a winner.  The apple and pear are super easy to eat in the car, and once we polish off the turkey we can put the cores in the bag and throw it away with no trouble.

While we’re in the produce section, we’ll get started on meal number three.  I’ll grab one bell pepper, a small container of strawberries, and a lemon for my carbs.  To give the almonds a break, I’ll also grab one ripe avocado.   It’s easy to eat, just cut it in half with our plastic knife, cut lines in it while it’s still in the skin, and then eat it with the plastic fork.

Now for protein, we’re going to take a stroll to the seafood section.  Stay away from the pre-made sushi...too much rice and not enough meat (and it’s a little pricey for true Fast Food).  Instead we’re going for some pre-cooked and peeled shrimp.  I usually get a little less than a half pound (since we won’t be eating the tails, etc).  Roll that lemon in your palm till it’s squishy, then cut a little slit in it and squirt the juice on top.

If you ask nicely, you can also get them to put the shrimp in a plastic container, rather than a bag.  This is a HUGE score, since not everyone wants to smell your left over shellfish trash in your car or office.  This way, when you’re done you can seal the container, and wrap it in the plastic shopping bag and you’re good to go (or store it in your neighbors desk drawer, it’ll drive him crazy).

Another little trick is to squirt the lemon juice on your fingers if you cant wash your hands.  Good trick for road trips.

I did this same meal set-up last Thursday, and it turned out perfect.  I had a crazy Wednesday and didn’t pack any meals for the box, and put these together on the fly.  Some pics are below...

ALSO FEATURED...two easy to find protein sources, hardboiled eggs and string cheese.

There you have it.  One trip to the grocery store that gets you all the meals you need for the day.  They were all tasty going down, and kept me feeling great.  Not to mention they were all in the $5 - $7 range. 

Post any questions, OR your favorite quick fix when you need real food, and fast!