3 tips on what to pack on your road trip
Whether you’re embarking on an adventure to the Grand Canyon or simply planning a visit to London’s Tower Bridge, future road trip opportunities await. A long road trip can wreak havoc on your diet if not planned ahead of time. It is always recommended to pack some healthy snacks and nutritious home cooked meals to avoid junk food and expensive restaurants and to stay healthy and fresh.
Drinking plenty of water throughout your trip keeps you hydrated. Try to carry plenty of water and low-calorie beverages in the car. Recirculated air can make you feel thirsty, and thirst is often mistaken for hunger. When it comes to snacking, try chewing on high-protein foods and fibrous foods that will keep you full longer. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, grapes, tomatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced bell peppers will also keep you healthy throughout your trip.
Flavorful sandwiches topped with crispy vegetables and slathered with pesto or cream cheese are a great way to avoid roadside junk food. Sandwiches can be made the night before and stored in the fridge to keep them fresh longer. Also try packing these snacks in zip lock bags to keep them fresh. Cheese cubes cut into small pieces can be stored in zip lock bags for consumption. Eating cheese can satisfy your hunger and give you the calcium your body needs. Celery sticks are a good choice for crunchy snacks in place of the pre-packaged potato chips found at some popular fast food restaurants. They taste good and you can bring a tupperware full of celery sticks with your favorite dip. Berries of different kinds can also serve as a healthy snack. These fruits are full of antioxidants and are healthy for the skin. Eat a handful when you’re hungry in the car and store them in airtight containers.
Certain gas stations also offer food markets with a wide variety of food options. If you can’t pack your own food or run out of snacks, you can pick up some healthy snacks while you stop for fuel. When taking long road trips, you should definitely stop to stretch your legs or let the dog take a break at a roadside restaurant. If you’re trying to have a good time at your stop, you may decide to pick up something from the vending machines to avoid stopping at another stop. To make the healthiest choices, select bottled water over soda and look for baked potato chips, honey-roasted nuts, fruit snacks, or cheese and cracker options.
Upon arrival at your planned destination, consider renting a place with a kitchen. This will help you save a lot in your wallet and prevent you from eating out. Once you’ve reached your destination, look out for some local farm stands where you can pick up fresh vegetables and fruits. Trying new and local cuisine can be a big part of a vacation for you and your family. Plan ahead and make a list of your dietary items to stick to. Eat well and stay well to get the most out of your road trip!