Healthy Eating on the Road

Whether it’s away football games, weddings or holiday parties, it’s the time of year for road trips. Unfortunately, road trips often consist of drive-through foods and bags of candy or energy drinks to stay awake. However, with a little planning and preparation you can avoid these diet traps and make it to your final destination ready to get the most out of your vacation time.

Try these nutritious options the next time you hit the road in order to eat and feel healthy:

• Pack protein. Protein keeps you feeling full and energized. Pack high protein snacks like trail mix with nuts and seeds, string cheese, beef jerky, milk chugs and hummus.
• Fill up on fiber. Fruits and vegetables are naturally loaded with fiber and give you a more consistent supply of energy than sugary snacks. My favorites are apples, bananas, celery, carrots, grapes and oranges (prepped at home). For a crunchy snack, try homemade popcorn.
• Stay hydrated. To feel your best, it is important to stay hydrated while traveling. Bottles of water are easy and convenient. Also try packing a cooler with small chugs of white and flavored milk. The protein, electrolytes and fluid in milk help keep you satisfied, hydrated and well nourished.
• Pack a Cooler. Refill it during pit stops with cups of ice from gas stations or your hotel. This will let you travel safely with deli sandwiches, yogurt, cheese cubes, hard-boiled eggs and milk.

With these easy tips, you can enjoy the journey and not just the destination of your next road trip!

Lynn Schulte is a clinical dietitian in Greenville, South Carolina.