Eating Well On The Go - Part 3

It's time for a road trip!  Road trips are a fabulous way to see the country, but it can be hard to eat nutritious foods when you are in places where gas stations, rest stops, and diners are your only options for food.  Here are a few ways that you can keep yourself heading down the highway toward nutrition success.

First, pack as much of your own food as you can.  You can bring lunch for your first day as well as your favorite healthy snacks.  If you have room for a cooler, think about bringing things like hard boiled eggs.  They are a great source of protein and last a long time with little refrigeration required.  Try to restock on the road when you find a grocery store with healthy snack options.

Second, stick to whole foods whenever you can.  Gas station convenience stores carry nuts, fruit, deli meats, and whole wheat breads.  

Third, scope out the options available to you in your overnight stops.  Farmers markets are a great source of fresh produce, whole grain breads, and other yummy yet healthful foods.  They usually open up early, so you can stock up for the day on the way out of town to your next stop.

Finally, check out the menus of fast food restaurants online before you hit the road, and perhaps even print down any nutrition information you can find.  In a pinch, you can find healthier alternatives if you look carefully.