Fueling Your Adventure: Eating Well While Travelling
Maintaining a healthy diet on the road or in the air can be challenging. With fast food joints and convenience stores at every exit, indulging in meals that lack nutrients + less than energizing can feel like the norm. But fear not! With some planning and creativity, eating well on travel days is entirely possible.
Plan Ahead:
Before hitting the road or heading to the airport, take some time to plan your meals and snacks. Pack a cooler with perishable items like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and hummus. Preparing homemade sandwiches, wraps, or salads can also be convenient and nutritious options for on-the-go meals. If flying, focus on non-perishable items (see more on this below)!
Pack Smart Snacks:
Opt for nutrient-dense snacks that provide sustained energy throughout your journey. Pack a variety of portable options such as nuts, trail mix, whole grain crackers, dried fruit, low-sugar granola bars, and clean jerky sticks. These snacks are convenient, satisfying, and won't spoil during long flights or car trips.
Stay Hydrated:
Don't forget to stay hydrated during your trip. Pack a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly at the airport or gas stations. You can also bring herbal tea bags or flavored electrolyte supplements to add variety to your hydration routine.
Choose Healthy Pit Stops:
When making pit stops along the way, seek out healthier dining options. Look for restaurants or cafes at the airport or at stops that offer fresh salads, grilled protein options, and whole-grain sides. Many fast-food chains now offer healthier menu choices, such as salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, and fruit cups.
Embrace Portable Produce:
Fresh fruits and vegetables make excellent travel snacks. Apples, bananas, oranges, carrots, celery sticks, and cherry tomatoes are easy to pack and eat on the go. Consider pre-cutting fruits and veggies before your trip for added convenience.
Be Mindful of Portions:
While indulging in the occasional treat or snack is okay, practice portion control to avoid overeating. Opt for smaller sizes or share larger portions with travel companions. Remember, it's all about balance and moderation.
DIY Convenience:
Prepare your own homemade snacks and meals to save money and control the ingredients. Before your trip, make a batch of homemade granola bars, energy balls, or trail mix. You can also assemble DIY snack packs with a combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips.
Listen to Your Body:
Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues while on-the-go. Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're satisfied. Avoid mindless munching out of boredom or stress, and ask yourself, “am I truly hungry?" to increase mindfulness. Following these tips and tricks can fuel your road trip adventure with healthy and delicious food choices.
Remember to enjoy the journey and savor every moment of your trip! Safe travels!