Plan Ahead for Healthy Road Trip Snacks and Meals

By Erin Rogers

Taking a long car trip can wreak havoc on your diet. If you don't plan ahead, it's very likely you will spend a day living on fast food, candy bars, bags of chips and soda. It would be very surprising if you consumed any fruits or vegetables, whole grains, or low-fat dairy products. Of course, maybe for one day, this really wouldn't be a big problem. But, if you'd like to at least try to maintain a healthy diet while you're on the road, there are several smart choices that travel well and will keep you feeling good on your journey.

One thing to keep in mind is to keep yourself hydrated. Bottles of water are inexpensive and can be refilled easily when you stop for gas or rests. On the other side of the coin you'll probably be walking a thin line between drinking enough water and the need for extra stops! Just find what works best for you.

I'll usually pack one cooler and one bag for non-refrigerated snacks. It's also a good idea to throw in some napkins, wet wipes, plastic utensils, and a couple empty plastic shopping bags to use for trash.

Here are my very favorite healthy road foods:

* Cleaned and sliced raw vegetables; grape or cherry tomatoes 

* Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes 

* Snack size dried fruit (such as raisins) 

* String cheese 

* Yogurts in a tube 

* Pretzels 

* Roasted soy nuts 

* Baked, flavored rice or popcorn cakes 

* Sugar free jello cups / fat-free pudding cups (with plastic spoons) 

* Reduced fat cookies/crackers 

* Fruit juice boxes; mini cans of low-sodium V8 juice 

* Whole wheat bagels with light cream cheese (bring a plastic knife; slice bagels before leaving) 

* Sandwiches made with lean luncheon meats and low-fat cheese or hummus and fresh spinach

There are so many great choices that my biggest challenge is not bringing too much food! Just keep in mind, that even if you're driving all day, you probably only need the same number of snacks as you normally would eat, as long as you're going to eat regular meals, too. Pack up and enjoy!

Related Information: Holisticonline.com Healthy Recipes Infocenter for recipes on healthy foods from around the world.

Erin Rogers, a work-at-home mom of two, is the founder of Health-E-Meals.com, providing practical healthy living resources for busy people. She's also the author of the Healthy Express Cookbook: 101 Fresh, Light & Quick Dinners (http://www.health-e-meals.com).  Erin can be reached via email at erin@health-e-meals.com.

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