Sure, ideally, every meal you have would be eaten at home comprising a variety of wholesome ingredients. But for most of us, the ideal world and the real world are miles apart most of the time. So, we do what we can with what we have; sometimes that means the occasional meal from a convenience store or filling our bellies while we're filling our gas tanks.

At one time, a meal from such an establishment meant either a week-old donut or that lone hotdog that looked as if it had been spinning on the hot dog cooker since the day the store opened. Not anymore.

You can still find donuts and hotdogs, but you can also pick up chicken wings, brownies, fruit, hardboiled eggs, and much more. And, as you can see just from those examples, there are a variety of options if you're attempting to stick to a healthy eating plan or opting for a more carefree attitude about your food choices.

HELPFUL HINTS

When you find yourself faced with the culinary offerings of the nearest 7-Eleven or Cumberland Farms for your next meal, consider these tips to help find healthier offerings:

1. Try to include as many food groups as possible.

Most "quick-pick up" stores offer fresh fruit and fruit cups, as well as salads and cut up veggies.

They can provide much needed fiber and nutrients often missing from other convenience food fare, such as donuts and chips.

Plus, they provide fewer calories, fat, sodium, and added sugar, which can help balance a less-than-stellar entrée choice.

2. Drink with caution.

Many convenience stores are famous for their frozen and mega-size drink concoctions.

In fact, one in particular is known for a cup size called the "Double Gulp," which, when filled with soda, provides a whopping 186 grams of sugar (the equivalent of 47 teaspoons of sugar) and 744 calories.

Fortunately, their coolers are also well-stocked with an array of calorie-free waters, as well as 16-ounce containers of skim or 1 percent milk, which, at roughly 160 calories, is a huge calorie saving.

3. Think small.

Who says a meal has to be one big entree?

Consider feasting on a variety of small items. For example, a couple of hardboiled eggs, some yogurt, nuts, a banana and carrot sticks with hummus would make a perfectly balanced, healthy lunch on the go.

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