When we think of a road trip, we think of fast foods and too many sweet beverages. But, there is a way to take that family road trip and practice eating healthy while creating those memorable memories.
Thinking about a road trip brings upon family memories from so many years ago. I remember the large cooler that use to sit on the floor in the back seat area. My mom used to fill up that cooler with bags of ice from the local gas station.
There would be luncheon meats, sliced cheeses, mustard, and mayo. Also, there would be lots of sodas in the cooler. We would have at least two loaves of white bread and a large bag of potato chips in a bag on top of the cooler. We weren’t allowed to ask for food at the different fast-food restaurants. If we got hungry, we had to make ourselves a luncheon meat and cheese sandwich, with some chips and a soda. But you know what, that was our road trip food and it worked for us for many years. And we enjoyed it.
The one thing I did learn from my younger years, is that eating on a road trip doesn’t have to cost much. But, when you are trying to find healthier options for you and your family it takes a little more time and planning. A grocery list will be your friend when you are trying to go the healthy route.
Always keep in mind, that certain family members like certain things while other family members do not. Think about allergies to certain foods. Remember to separate and label servings that are meant for certain family members.
The post is about eating healthy on a road trip.
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Preparation is Key
Make sure you bring small trash bags to discard empty containers and other trash items such as; seed shells, orange peels, empty yogurt cups, or unfinished meals that need to be discarded. This way the discarded items can be ready to be disposed of at the next rest stop.
Also, you can save on buying bags of ice by creating your own. Start about a week before your trip. Put in a plan to fill up a gallon-size ziplock bag of ice cubes from your refrigerator ice dispenser every day. This way you will have plenty of ice cubes for your large cooler once you get ready to load up with all of your healthy food items.
Nowadays, no one wants to do road trips like in the olden days. If you were to tell the younger generation that we are gonna go on a road trip and we are going to pack our lunches they would look at you side-eyed. It seems that people only want to stop at fast-food restaurants.
But now, our generation of cultures put more thinking into eating more healthy. So, let us dive more into some ways to make healthy eating more beneficial during our travel.
Helpful Tips
First, let us get a nice size cooler and maybe some of those large grocery insulated bags to keep food items cold or hot. Secondly, eating healthy means, let’s make a grocery list and let’s go shopping. Finally, prepare and pack accordingly. Packing some items as a serving for the whole family.
Try packing most items in single servings, so that anyone can grab a food item on their own, whenever needed. Before, packing any raw fruits or vegetables, remember to wash all items and then, separate them into single servings. If you are traveling with a toddler, put their name on their food items so that they are getting the correct serving size.
Meanwhile, remember to pack condiments separately so that you do not forget them at home. Subsequently, road trips involve no dishes to wash, so remember to get some paper plates, plastic cups, and plastic utensils.
This post is about eating healthy while traveling
Raw Fruits and Vegetables Plus More
Here is a list of possible eating healthy snacks that you and your family can incorporate into your road trip.
- Apples – Oranges – Grapefruit – Carrots – Tomatoes – Watermelon – Pretzels
- Sunflower Seeds – Grapes – Cherries – Bananas – Popcorn – Mixed Nuts – Pudding and Jello Cups
- Pineapple – Yogurt – Celery Sticks – Pears – Peaches – Plums – Olives – Almonds – Cashews – Peanuts
- Applesauce – String Cheese – Fruit Cups – Peanut Butter Crackers – Kiwi – Cucumber Slices
Eating Healthy with Lots of Fresh Fruit
Eating Healthy must include lots of Fresh Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Lemons
- Limes
- Passion Fruit
- Peaches
- Plums
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Healthy Bowls and Boxes
In the deli department of your favorite grocery store, you may find some of these healthy prepackaged servings.
There are usually fruit bowls or vegetable trays.
They also have a combination of fruits and vegetables.
Also, there are deli meats and cheese trays to pick from.
Although, you can find an array of assortments already packaged or you may need to place an order ahead of time.
But, either way, this can save you lots of time.
Sandwiches and Deli Wraps – Eating Healthy
Deli Wraps or Sandwiches, either will do on a road trip. Either preparing each sandwich ahead of time and labeling each one.
Or try, packing the bread, deli meats, cheeses, raw veggies, and condiments separately and making each sandwich on the trip.
Now, I like and have enjoyed both ways.
During, your adventure try some of these items to make eating healthy while on your road trip more enjoyable.
At last, if you do not want to pack your ingredients, grab a Subway Sandwich and eat fresh without the hassle.
- Bread, Pita Pockets, or Tortillas
- Lettuce (try different kinds)
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Red Onions slices (or any kind)
- Sliced Avocado
- Cucumber Slices
- Cheeses (try different kinds)
- Sliced Deli Meats or Rotisserie Chicken
- Condiments of Choice
- (Ranch Dressing – Mustard – Italian Dressing – Salt – Pepper – Mayo)
Eating Healthy with Salads
There is an “eat-in/to-go” salad bar called Salata Salads which has many locations, especially in California and Texas.
Also, there are several on the east coast. It’s a “pick your own” ingredients salad bar.
It has at least 50 plus items to choose from.
A large salad with plenty of raw veggies and some fruit makes at least 2 full servings.
With a subsequent cost of under $10. If you want to add cooked meats, seafood, or soups it will cost a little extra.
But overall, this salad bar is an A+.
If you can’t find a Salata Salad along your road trip, try preparing and packing your salad items.
Either way, incorporating a fresh raw salad every day while on your road trip will keep you on the right track to eating healthy.