There are several approaches to making healthy food choices when you're out and on the go, but it starts with a commitment.  Making a commitment to healthy living transcends time and  space and once you firmly choose to do so trust that nothing will stop you from sticking to it, including the most intoxicating aromas, colors and textures of genetically engineered food intentionally designed to draw you in.  You'll have the power to overcome.  So, don't think that just because you're not within the confines of your kitchen, nutrient-rich foods aren't available.  Not only that, don't feel like mentally you can't maintain your motivation to be fit and healthy when you're away from home.

Now, once you make the commitment to healthy dining you will need some strategies for doing so.  Here is a list to get you started.  Feel free to print them out and use them whenever you are out or planning to go out.

1. Pack a fruit, vegetable or dried fruit and nut mix snack in a small container
2. Bring a large bottle of chilled or iced water (no need for caffeine or carbonated beverages now)
3. Grab a bag of dried fruit from the grocery store
4. Order a salad and make your own olive oil & vinegar dressing
5. Order a tomato salad and top it with some olives and olive oil
6. Share a meal with a friend, spouse, or child (exercise portion control and save money)
7. Order a veggie, bean or portobello sandwich and substitute the fries for a salad
8. Pop some popcorn (the old-fashioned way in the popcorn popper using organic popcorn kernels) seasoned with nutritional yeast, sea salt and non-hydrogenated butter and put them in a snack container to bring along
9. Whip up a fruit smoothie
10. Stop at a health food store and grab some superfood snacks like goji berries or acai juice
11. Create a meal with veggie side items
12. Order from the kids menu (again to exercise portion control and save money)
13. Order a dish and ask the waiter/clerk to hold the meat and/or the dairy (you can do without all the antibiotics, pesticides, fat and cholesterol)
14. Enjoy a nice bowl of vegetable soup
15. Order an appetizer as your meal
16. Replace a fried food with an uncooked or steamed veggie
17. Order a fruit salad or cup of fruit
18. Eat a filling breakfast before leaving home (like oatmeal or grits and toast)
19. When going to a cookout bring your own meatless dish to eat and share with other health conscious attendees
20. Focus on the joy of being out and about, the beauty of the day and being alive!!