Road trip goodies that won’t crash your diet

Before you climb in the car for your next road trip, make sure you pack food that’s good for you and good to go. Nutritionist blogger Jenny Tackett passes along four healthy tips to make sure you’re cutting some calories (and saving a few bucks) on your next trip.

by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

Summer is here, and you may find your calendar filling up with road trips and cookouts. The Tackett’s family is always on the road — from Kansas to the East Coast and down to Arkansas, we have become a well-oiled travelling machine!

I know in the last minute, it’s easier to count on fast food along the ride, but with just a bit of planning, you can enjoy your trip, guilt free and save some serious money if you plan and pack ahead.

Here’s what we do:

Eat a healthy meal before you leave:
You may be tempted to swing through a fast food drive thru on your way out of town, but the high fat, low fiber options may leave you feeling sluggish during your trip. Instead, start the day with healthier options at home such as oatmeal with nuts and berries or an egg with whole wheat toast and melon.

The fresh fruit will hydrate you, and the balanced meal with help keep blood sugars stable and reduce the need for snacking. Then you’ll be able to be the road warrior all the way to your destination.

Not sure what to bring? Here’s a few suggestions for what to pack in the cooler for your next road trip.

Bring healthy food along:
When you are planning a day trip or weekend get-away, bring a cooler and pack healthy foods to fuel you during your adventure. Fresh fruit, cut up vegetables, turkey or chicken sandwiches are all ideas for easy to grab food and full of vitamins and protein.

You can avoid all of the unhealthy and overpriced traps (chips, candy) at convenience stores along the way and have the energy to scale that hill, trail, or mountain with confidence.

Make good choices at restaurants:
When you end up stopping at a restaurant, make healthier choices. It’s easy to choose a burger and fries when you’re tired and are done making decisions all day. I know, but don’t give in and your body will thank you.

Choose lean meats such as grilled fish or chicken. Avoid the fried sides and appetizers and seek out salads, fresh fruit, or grilled vegetables. Even fast food restaurants often have healthy side options available.

Stay hydrated:
Make sure to bring your water bottle and additional water on long road trips and especially for flying. Staying hydrated during travel can prevent headaches and help with digestion.

Avoid drinking sugary beverages such as sodas, lemonades, and sweet teas. Stick with water for the best hydration during your travel and you’ll come home, with a heart full of memories and not extra pounds.

Safe travels everyone!

by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

Summer is here, and you may find your calendar filling up with road trips and cookouts. The Tackett’s family is always on the road — from Kansas to the East Coast and down to Arkansas, we have become a well-oiled traveling machine!

I know in the last minute, it’s easier to count on fast food along the ride, but with just a bit of planning, you can enjoy your trip, guilt free and save some serious money if you plan and pack ahead.

Here’s what we do:

Eat a healthy meal before you leave:
You may be tempted to swing through a fast food drive thru on your way out of town, but the high fat, low fiber options may leave you feeling sluggish during your trip. Instead, start the day with healthier options at home such as oatmeal with nuts and berries or an egg with whole wheat toast and melon.
The fresh fruit will hydrate you, and the balanced meal with help keep blood sugars stable and reduce the need for snacking. Then you’ll be able to be the road warrior all the way to your destination.

Not sure what to bring? Here’s a few suggestions for what to pack in the cooler for your next road trip.

Bring healthy food along:
When you are planning a day trip or weekend get-away, bring a cooler and pack healthy foods to fuel you during your adventure. Fresh fruit, cut up vegetables, turkey or chicken sandwiches are all ideas for easy to grab food and full of vitamins and protein.

You can avoid all of the unhealthy and overpriced traps (chips, candy) at convenience stores along the way and have the energy to scale that hill, trail, or mountain with confidence.

Make good choices at restaurants:
When you end up stopping at a restaurant, make healthier choices. It’s easy to choose a burger and fries when you’re tired and are done making decisions all day. I know, but don’t give in and your body will thank you.

Choose lean meats such as grilled fish or chicken. Avoid the fried sides and appetizers and seek out salads, fresh fruit, or grilled vegetables. Even fast food restaurants often have healthy side options available.

Stay hydrated:
Make sure to bring your water bottle and additional water on long road trips and especially for flying. Staying hydrated during travel can prevent headaches and help with digestion.

Avoid drinking sugary beverages such as sodas, lemonades, and sweet teas. Stick with water for the best hydration during your travel and you’ll come home, with a heart full of memories and not extra pounds.

Safe travels everyone!