When road trips are planned, the typical focus is on the destination and the places you will hit on the way! Packing, researching, and site seeing are foremost on most people’s mind, but don’t let this fun-filled adventure derail your healthy lifestyle. With a little extra planning, you can make sure that you have healthy snacks and drinks at your fingertips on your road trip.
Here are our tips for a healthy, fun road trip:
- Eat a healthy breakfast before you leave in the morning.
Prepare a protein and fiber rich breakfast to keep you feeling full for the first few hours on your trip. You can make an egg omelet with low fat turkey sausage and a variety of veggies like mushrooms and spinach. Pair your omelet with a piece of whole grain toast.
- Pack a cooler.
A small cooler can prove useful and easily fit in a back seat for easy access. Some healthy choices that are easy to grab include Go-Gurt (a “squeezy” low-fat yogurt), fruits, hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks and sandwiches. A cooler is also a great place to pack bottled water and low sugar juice boxes.
- Pack a picnic.
Avoid fast food chains when it’s time for a meal. Instead, pack a picnic meal with fresh fruit and veggies. Try a whole grain wrap with turkey, lettuce and tomato. Pre-portioned baked chips or tortillas also make for a great crunchy treat. Before you eat, take a quick walk around the rest area or toss a ball with the kids to get your body and metabolism moving.
- Make a plan when eating at a restaurant.
As you are planning out your road trip route, make a point to choose restaurants with healthy options. Investigate menu options online and plan your meal accordingly. Most restaurants keep menus with nutritional information online. Knowing ahead of time what you will order will decrease stress, save time, and ensure you stick with your healthy choice.
- Stay hydrated.
Sometimes drinking too many fluids means more frequent stops to use the bathroom. But, make sure you drink enough water and other lower sugar beverages to stay hydrated. Dehydration can decrease concentration and also contribute to feelings of hunger. Be sure to pack plenty of bottled water or a water bottle that you can refill at a rest stop water fountain.
A road trip can be filled with fun, excitement, and anticipation. Planning your healthy eating plan along the way can decrease anxiety and increase enjoyment. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your next road trip!
