When you’re heading out on a road trip, you can use various strategies to ensure you eat healthy while traveling. From packing nutritious snacks to selecting low-calorie menu items at fast food restaurants, you can eat well on the road without packing on the pounds. Take a look at these five ways to eat healthy during your next driving adventure.

1. Pack Healthy Foods That Travel Well

If you don’t mind taking a cooler, you can pack low-fat cheese sticks, Greek yogurt, and fresh berries. For those who prefer non-perishable snacks, grab low-salt nut mixes, small bars of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and jerky. You can also buy resealable packets of salmon and tuna, both of which provide protein and essential nutrients.

2. Think About What You Drink

It’s easy to rely on highly caffeinated drinks or sugary sodas to give you a burst of energy while you drive. However, these beverages tend to leave you feeling sluggish after the initial wave of exuberance. Instead, opt for unsweetened iced or hot tea, coffee without sugar, and water. Staying hydrated on road trips is essential and can help curb your appetite. If you get bored with water, try sparkling water or flavored water drinks that have minimal sugar and artificial sweeteners.

3.  Make Smart Choices at Gas Stations

Many filling stations offer healthy snacks, though you may not find them in the candy aisle. Instead, check the refrigerated section for cheese sticks, yogurt, and other perishables you can eat right away. Better yet, see if the gas station has fresh fruit such as apples and bananas. If you need some protein, look for nut bars that are high in protein and low in sugar. Steer clear of snacks that are heavy on carbs such as potato chips and crackers. If you really can’t resist snacking on some carbs, opt for pita chips or pretzels.

4. Pick Wisely When Ordering Fast Food

Try to stop at fast food places that list the nutritional information for their food. This empowers you to make good choices. Don’t be afraid to ask for sandwiches without buns to reduce your carb intake. If you want to eat the bun, request that they make it without adding butter to the bun. It’s an easy way to reduce the fat and caloric content of a sandwich.

It’s best to skip the fried sides and opt instead for fruit or salad. Many fast food restaurants offer healthy sides as an alternative to fries and onion rings.

5. Monitor Your Eating

If you’re the kind of person who likes to eat when you’re bored, keep close tabs on how much you consume while traveling. It’s easy to lose track of your food intake when you’re sitting in a car for hours. To prevent yourself from overdoing it, portion your snacks so that you can have small amounts frequently. This strategy prevents you from getting too hungry and then eating too much.

With careful planning and forethought, you can maintain a healthy eating plan even when you’re traveling hundreds of miles by car.

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