I just love summer! It means tank tops, tan lines, cook outs, & taking the time to enjoy the weather & more lax schedules. It also means it’s road trip season! In fact, according to AAA, two-thirds of American adults will take the time to get away from their day-to-day from now till Labor Day. And while car troubles could definitely top the list of road trip fails, where & what to eat can be a cause for concern too! Here are 3 tips to tackle road trips without giving up on a balanced lifestyle:
Turning into the rest stop & grabbing a big bag of munchies can make for an easy car snack, but it can also cause portions & calories to soar. Get around this common bump in the road by opting for pre-portioned snacks & beverages. Single serving options will keep the car clean & your calories in check. Enjoy:
a) 100-calorie snack bags of crackers or nuts
b) nut-based energy or granola bars
c) portion-controlled sizes of your favorite flavored beverage
When I prep for a road trip I like to make sure I have mini cans in my cooler. They have the great taste I’m looking for & are only 90 calories! Be sure to also pack a variety of low or no-calorie beverages.
Not all snacks have to come from a convenience store. Making homemade to-go munchies is easier than you think. Try some of the following ideas and stock your cooler when necessary before you hit the road:
a) trail mix filled with your favorite unsalted nuts & unsweetened dried fruit
b) frozen fruit with a low-fat frozen yogurt tube
c) a savory snack pack with reduced-fat cheese cubes, whole-grain crackers & fresh cut veggies
d) nut butter “crackers” made with apple slices and cinnamon spice
Not only are these choices nutrient-rich, but their fiber & protein will also keep you feeling full until you reach your destination.
Lastly, making balanced meals at home is hard enough, so when you’re headed on a trip, make it simple by packing fresh produce that’s already been washed and cut for easy consumption. This way, when you have to make a pit stop for fuel, you can purchase a sandwich and pair it with a fresh side to satisfy you & save on calories.
What healthy road trip tip works well for you?
Lindsey | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
About Lindsey
Lindsey is the Nutritionist behind HandmadeHealthy.com who lives to hype healthy, happy lifestyles with a sprinkle of DIY. Follow her food-filled adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!
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Lindsey Joe, RDN, LDN
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