We just got back from camping up at Bear Lake my some of my family. We had a great time hanging out, lounging by the lake, touring Minnetonka Cave, and just enjoying the great outdoors.
While we were gone, I realized it is VERY hard to eat well and have a “plan” while traveling. I didn’t eat terribly, but I could have eaten A LOT better! It was hard because there was a lot of candy, chips, chocolate, s’mores, etc. around and they are all very yummy. It is very easy to allow yourself to just eat “a few” and then end up eating “a LOT!”
I realized I usually “fall off the wagon” while on vacation because of one (or several) of the following reasons:
- I’m not at home and don’t have access to all of my “usual” foods
- Because I’m away from home, I tend to rely on convenience foods or fast food.
- We stop at gas stations along the way and peruse the candy aisles!
- I am in “vacation mode” and want to live it up!
- When I’m in “vacation mode” it doesn’t seem like eating junk “counts” (but it does!)
- I’m bored while driving in the car and want to munch on something yummy to keep it exciting! 😉
There are plenty of other reasons too! It is hard to eat well while traveling, but if you PLAN ahead, you can stay ON the wagon! Here are some “Healthy Eating Travel Tips”:
- Pack a small cooler full of healthy snacks to munch on while traveling
- Bring your own lunch/dinner in the car with you (saves on $$ too!)
- When you arrive at your destination, make a quick trip to the local grocery store to stock up on healthy food
- If you do stop at a restaurant/fast food, make healthy choices:
- Choose grilled (not fried)
- Get a hamburger or sandwich wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun
- “hold” the sauce or ask for it on the side
- Order a salad (lite dressing on the side)
- Don’t eat fries (dang!)
- If possible, read the nutritional information online or in the restaurant before ordering
- Buy a healthy snack at the gas station instead of candy/pop/chips, etc.
- Drink TONS of water
- Since you are on vacation, I think it’s okay to allow yourself one treat per day. Enjoy that one treat, savour it, then don’t eat any more!
Here are some Healthy Travel Snack ideas:
- Beef Jerky
- Fruit (bananas, strawberries, grapes, apples, oranges, etc.
- Cut up veggies (carrots, celery, peppers, etc.)
- String Cheese
- Healthy Meal replacement bars/snack bars/granola bars
- Healthy Trail Mix
- Nuts
- Yogurt
- Dried Fruit
If you are COMMITTED to eating healthy and PLAN AHEAD, you can be successful while traveling!!
I love this section. This is one of my biggest problems too. I do not plan very well…or just think, I want to take a break from my every day planning and just relax…I usually relax too much and then feel sad once the vacation is over. Thanks for the tips on snacks. I also love yogurt covered raisins and pretzels… I just have to make sure to not eat the whole bag. 🙂
Oooooo, yogurt covered raisins and pretzels. Yum! I think I would have a problem just eating a few too! 😉