The holiday season is almost here. And for most of us, that means road trips to visit family or a winter break staycation somewhere close by. Unfortunately, road trips usually go hand-in-hand with stuffing your face with unhealthy drive-thru food, leaving you feeling gross and tired afterward from all that fat and grease.
Eating on the Road
Google Maps. And you’ve most definitely considered what you’ll need to pack for those family photo shoots in matchy-matchy colors.
I want to encourage you to take it another step further. Plan out the healthy snacks and meals that you can bring on the road with you. This is something I do every time my family hits the road. And trust me, having a plan doesn’t take much time (or effort).
Ready for some simple ideas?
First, fill up that YETI cooler with pre-cut fruits and veggies for snacking. Bananas, oranges, apples, and grapes make great travel snacks. Please be sure to cut the grapes really, really small if you have kids who are young and can choke. Some other easy favorites are carrot or radish “chips” with Ranch dressing. Celery sticks are great for snacking on too.
Then, for protein and healthy fats (this will keep you feeling fuller longer), bring along hummus, peanut or almond butter, and your favorite nut mix. Hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, and plain yogurt also travel well. Low salt popcorn is a good option for the munchies.
For an easy meal on the go, a hearty salad in a Ziplock (or Mason Jar), sandwiches, and wraps are great for mealtime. You can also buy some healthy components or meals at places like Whole Foods or even Diced!
“Welcome to McDonalds, how may I take your order?”
If going to a drive-through is totally unavoidable, opt for salads with oil and vinegar dressing, grilled chicken, or baked potatoes. You can always get fruit on the side and remove the white bread bun from a burger or grilled chicken sandwich.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and skip sugar-filled drinks. You can save yourself some cash by filling up a thermos of hot tea or coffee to bring along too!
How do you plan for eating on the road? What are some of your fave bring-along road trip meals? I’d love to know! Comment below!
