You know the feeling....you're driving with the radio turned up on a long and repetitive road trip. All is good until your tummy starts to grumble. You fish around in your glove box only to find a half'-eaten stale granola bar and an abundance of napkins from various fast-food establishments. This definitely won't get the job done. You soon realize that your overwhelming sense of hunger has turned into a scavenger hunt for the nearest McDonald's or Burger King. At this point, anything will do.
Before you swing through a drive-through laden with excess fat, calories and ingredients you can't pronounce, let's look at what you can do to make your trip a healthier one.
1.) B.Y.O.S. (Bring your own snacks)
This one might sound obvious but many folks pull out of the driveway without remember this step. A simple bag of shelf-stable goodies will get the job done. As shown above, think almond butter packets, turkey jerky, protein bars, almonds, sliced apples, and sliced cucumbers. These are all examples of snack items that can easily be taken along for the ride. If you plan on bringing a cooler that will adequately keep foods to their proper temperature, than your options only grow. With a cooler, pack things like: Greek yogurt cups, single-serving cottage cheese cups, string cheese, deli meat, cooked chicken breasts, etc.
2). Bring plenty of water
The age-old belief that thirst is sometimes masked as hunger rings true here. If you start to get hungry, especially between meal-times, try drinking some water first. This will not only make the hunger subside, but it will also keep you hydrated during the drive.
3.) Avoid boredom
Now this one is a little tough, as road trips can be monotonous. Bring things to occupy your time so you don't think about food constantly. Be sure not to bring anything along that will distract you from driving. Things like audio books, CD's you love, or practicing your Mariah Carey singing impressions are all great choices. (Remember to roll the windows up if you choose option #3).
4.) Eat meals, not just snacks
While road-trips practically go hand-in-hand with snacking, you still need to keep your body on a eating schedule. If you start aimlessly munching, you'll continue aimlessly munching. It's as simple as that. Remember to schedule actual meals, even if those meals are made up of various snacks you throw together. Avoid grazing and try to view the day just like any other.
5.) Ditch the drive-through
If you must stop for some nourishment, realize that drive-through aren't your only option. Even on flat stretches of road in the mid-west, there are always gas stations. You might be thinking...'gas stations???''. Yes, gas stations. I have found more nutrient-dense goodies in local 7-11's than in almost any fast-food restaurant known to man. Most gas-stations now cater towards patrons looking for healthier options. For instance, on a whim one day, I went into my local gas station. I was shocked at what I found! A midst the selection of powdered doughnuts, 3-day old hot dogs and blue Slurpees, I was able to find some wonderful options! The shelves were loaded with hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, fruit cups, Greek yogurt, vegetable trays, nuts, seeds, tuna salad cups, fresh salads, fresh sandwiches, whole fruit, protein bars and even refrigerated protein shakes! The options are there; you just have to sift through the junk, literally.
Hopefully this inspires you to amp up your next road trip and make healthier choices along the way! Pre-planning and always having a 'plan B' will keep you on the right track. Happy driving! :)
Before you swing through a drive-through laden with excess fat, calories and ingredients you can't pronounce, let's look at what you can do to make your trip a healthier one.
1.) B.Y.O.S. (Bring your own snacks)
This one might sound obvious but many folks pull out of the driveway without remember this step. A simple bag of shelf-stable goodies will get the job done. As shown above, think almond butter packets, turkey jerky, protein bars, almonds, sliced apples, and sliced cucumbers. These are all examples of snack items that can easily be taken along for the ride. If you plan on bringing a cooler that will adequately keep foods to their proper temperature, than your options only grow. With a cooler, pack things like: Greek yogurt cups, single-serving cottage cheese cups, string cheese, deli meat, cooked chicken breasts, etc.
2). Bring plenty of water
The age-old belief that thirst is sometimes masked as hunger rings true here. If you start to get hungry, especially between meal-times, try drinking some water first. This will not only make the hunger subside, but it will also keep you hydrated during the drive.
3.) Avoid boredom
Now this one is a little tough, as road trips can be monotonous. Bring things to occupy your time so you don't think about food constantly. Be sure not to bring anything along that will distract you from driving. Things like audio books, CD's you love, or practicing your Mariah Carey singing impressions are all great choices. (Remember to roll the windows up if you choose option #3).
4.) Eat meals, not just snacks
While road-trips practically go hand-in-hand with snacking, you still need to keep your body on a eating schedule. If you start aimlessly munching, you'll continue aimlessly munching. It's as simple as that. Remember to schedule actual meals, even if those meals are made up of various snacks you throw together. Avoid grazing and try to view the day just like any other.
5.) Ditch the drive-through
If you must stop for some nourishment, realize that drive-through aren't your only option. Even on flat stretches of road in the mid-west, there are always gas stations. You might be thinking...'gas stations???''. Yes, gas stations. I have found more nutrient-dense goodies in local 7-11's than in almost any fast-food restaurant known to man. Most gas-stations now cater towards patrons looking for healthier options. For instance, on a whim one day, I went into my local gas station. I was shocked at what I found! A midst the selection of powdered doughnuts, 3-day old hot dogs and blue Slurpees, I was able to find some wonderful options! The shelves were loaded with hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, fruit cups, Greek yogurt, vegetable trays, nuts, seeds, tuna salad cups, fresh salads, fresh sandwiches, whole fruit, protein bars and even refrigerated protein shakes! The options are there; you just have to sift through the junk, literally.
Hopefully this inspires you to amp up your next road trip and make healthier choices along the way! Pre-planning and always having a 'plan B' will keep you on the right track. Happy driving! :)