When we’re on the go or in a time crunch, it’s not always easy to eat well and eat right. It seems like such a strange paradox of the modern condition that we are surrounded by so many food choices yet so few of them provide our bodies with what we really need. In this article, I want to provide some easy solutions for a nourishing and healthy lifestyle. For most of us, breakfast seems to be the meal we typically forgo. And that’s fair. The last thing we want to do is be breaking out pots and pans when we could be squeezing in an extra ten minutes of sleep. An easy fix to this predicament is simply keeping your pantry full of food options rich in protein and vitamins. Great options for breakfast include instant oatmeal with sliced banana, nuts, and raisins. Drizzle your oatmeal with all natural agave nectar for a great, sumptuous taste.  Or if you really have no time to prepare anything at all, grab a banana and an energy bar. Bananas are wonderful sources of vitamins, potassium, and iron. Just having one banana can quell your hunger! Energy bars and drinks are also great for when you’re on the road or going on an outdoor adventure. Some of my favorite brands include: Muscle Milk, Luna Bars, and Kind.  Many of these brands feature all natural ingredients, which is a great way to boost your day’s nutrition. Other kinds of healthy “on the go” options include sliced fruit like bananas, apples and berries. Sprinkle with a little bit of cinnamon and sugar to add an extra kick. A simple tomato avocado salad drizzled lightly with EVOO and Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delicious and nutrition rich option as well. If you’re looking for some protein, always keep lean deli meat around. It’s clean, healthy, and light in calories and goes with pretty much anything. Wrap your favorite lean meat around your choice of fruit or vegetable (like jicama, fig, or dates) and dip into a whole grain mustard for a satisfying snack. And finally, as many of us know, hummus is a great protein substitute. Always keep some fresh hummus in the fridge along with raw vegetables or whole grain pita bread for dipping. Forgoing a meal once in a while is inevitable, but always make sure to keep healthy options around so that you aren’t just grabbing whatever is around to satiate your temporary hunger attack!

One of the great things about the current state of fashion is the plethora of choices available to women of all ages and backgrounds. Being able to develop your own sense of style is now easier than ever. Here is a list that I have compiled of places that have a stylish and comprehensive inventory without breaking your budget!

H&M

I have found that H&M has many inexpensive essentials. With such a huge variety of men and women’s clothes, H&M keeps up with the latest trends but sells classic looks as well. The sizes typically run smaller-so if you’re normally a 0 look for a 2 (which happens to be their smallest size)! The store often collaborates with couture designers to create an affordable line of stylish clothes for the everyday woman. These collections sell out almost instantly-so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming collaborations! www.hm.com/us

TOPSHOP

TopShop is another inexpensive destination that offers a wide variety of clothing, shoes and accessories. With such a diversified collection of clothes, nearly every style and niche market is covered! And now, with their new LA location at the ever popular destination, The Grove, you no longer have to wait for packages to come from  our friends across the pond! www.us.topshop.com

WASTELAND

Wasteland is a destination must for most LA residents. The store offers exciting new labels along with fantastic hand picked vintage and designer resale finds! With stores all across Los Angeles and in San Francisco, Wasteland also operates an e-commerce site that is constantly jam-packed with stylish but reasonably priced shoes, dresses, and accessories. www.shopwasteland.com

THREADSENCE

Threadsence is a great e-commerce site that offers a handpicked selection of affordable and trendy clothes that are simultaneously sweet and edgy. The site also offers great deals and promotions on essential items like summertime platforms and distressed denim jackets! Check back often for great finds on all your favorite styles! www.threadsence.com

THE SANTEE ALLEY

Santee Alley is one of Los Angeles’ best kept secrets. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the district offers a breathless and exciting variety of dresses, shoes, purses, tops, and anything your heart might dream of and more. This is where you can score a pair of Jeffrey Campbell knockoffs for fifteen dollars! If you’re willing to look, every downtown metropolitan area offers trendy clothes for unbeatable prices! www.thesanteealley.com

NASTYGAL

Nastygal is another e-commerce store that offers a wide selection of stylish, on trend, and affordable clothes. The site offers their own brand as well as a comprehensively curated selection of today’s hottest brands! If you’re looking to add a touch of excitement to your wardrobe, look no further than Nastygal! www.nastygal.com

ZARA

Last but not least, I cannot emphasize how wonderful Zara is for their combination of sophisticated and chic clothes. Zara offers exciting new styles that are appropriate for all ages and unmatched prices for the quality. Zara is a great destination for wardrobe essentials like that perfect leather jacket, summertime blazer, and chambray blouse. www.zara.com