Summer means road trips. Half of the fun is packing up the car with all of your favorite “sippies & munchies” and settling in for the long days of driving. For some strange reason, the minute we hit the highway with our windows down and favorite tunes on the radio, our discipline flies right out the window. Now true, we are on vacation and enjoying alittle R & R, but there is a fine line between relaxation & gluttony. It’s as if a magic wand is waved over us and now the foods we would never think to eat at home in our “regular life” become an all you can eat buffet of chips, candy, Fast food, sodas & cookies. When I was a kid, we packed a very simple lunch of a sandwich, fruit & homemade cookie and off we went with a thermos full of water. We would stop at rest stops along the way to eat, walk around, use the bathroom and off we went. Somehow since then, it’s become gluttony on the road with giant size coolers of everything processed and stops along the way at fast food joints. All of this and you have not even really begun your vacation yet!
Let’s keep this simple. We all love a great road trip with the family or solo, but packing healthy snacks for the road will keep you feeling good and leave room for indulgences once you get to your destination.
*Eat & workout before you leave. Less temptation to grab a muffin or scone with your “joe” for the road. Leaving for a trip should not be an excuse to not exercise…you ALWAYS have to exercise, no matter what. You will feel so much better and be mentally clear for the road.
*Bring a refillable water bottle. No need for sodas or juices…place cut up fresh fruit in your water to stay hydrated down the road.
*Bring snacks that are accessible, especially if you are going solo. Pack your cooler with your favorite healthy snacks to keep on the seat next to you.
*Plan stops to get out, move & use the bathroom. Don’t be tempted to justify a stop at the next fast food place for lunch.
*Family snacks..let each member of the family pick their favorite healthy snack to share on the trip.
*Snack ideas: air-popped popcorn ( goodbye bottomless bag of chips), mixed berries, string cheese, cherry tomatoes, edamame, homemade trail mix (be careful here, the calories add up quickly), sliced turkey roll ups with hummus, sliced fresh veggies, homemade oatmeal cookies, mini-bagels with peanut butter & banana, apples and freeze some squeeze yogurt ahead of time (easy to eat, no mess & no spoon required).
*Enjoy your vacation destination. Arrive feeling good, take a walk, enjoy some great food & drinks with friends and family.
Happy Summer! I will see you on the road!
