7 Rules to Follow While Eating Healthy on the Road

Eating healthy while traveling is a challenge, but with these 7 rules, you can be sure to always make the best food choices. Keep them in mind and you’ll never feel like your diet suffers when on the road.

Rule #01: Bring along your own snacks.

If you’re traveling by car, always bring along a stash of healthy snacks that will tide you over until you reach your destination. This can include fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole-grain crackers or bars, and yogurt. If you’re flying, make sure to pack your food in a carry-on bag so that it’s there when you land.

Rule #02: Scout out healthy restaurants near your hotel.

When looking for a restaurant near your hotel, try to find one with plenty of healthy options on the menu. Whether it’s an all-day breakfast spot with oatmeal and fruit cups or a local Mexican place with grilled fish and fresh vegetables, it’s important to find these healthy options.

Rule #03: Make a grocery list and do your research.

Before you go on vacation, make a shopping list of all the ingredients you’ll need for your recipes so that when you arrive at your destination there is no worry about finding them in stores or markets. Another idea is to search Google Maps for local farmers’ markets near where you’re staying; depending on what time of year it is they may be selling fresh produce which can save money and keep meals interesting with locally-sourced food! Plus if the weather permits, eating outdoors by someplace like a lake or river makes everything taste even better (and helps avoid feeling guilty about dining out).

Rule #04: Pack your lunch and snacks.

When you’re staying at a hotel, make the most of their kitchenette and bring along some plasticware to pack breakfast (like oatmeal or yogurt) for the morning and healthy lunches like salads with protein-rich beans throughout the day. If there isn’t an option for cooking in your room, take advantage of free continental breakfasts by filling up on fresh fruit before hitting the road again. Snacks are also important during long car rides so be sure to have plenty of travel-friendly options such as dried fruits or nuts that can keep hunger away until it’s time to eat again.

If you’re going camping, check out what will be available where you’ll be staying and plan your meals around that. There are many recipes out there for campfire cooking that are both delicious and healthy!

Rule #05: Avoid eating fast food.

Eating out while traveling almost always means indulging in greasy, unhealthy fast food. Even if the restaurant seems like it has some healthier options on the menu, it’s usually best to avoid them altogether. Not only will you feel sluggish after eating such poor quality food, but you’ll also likely spend a lot of money on something that’s not going to satisfy you in the long run.

There are exceptions to this rule, of course; if you’re really stuck and there’s no other option than a fast food place then go ahead and order a salad with grilled chicken and ask for the dressing on the side. Also see if there are any healthy food items that could be added to your kids’ meals such as apple slices or yogurt, which is usually cheaper than french fries anyway!

Rule #06: Beware of “Healthy” Foods That Aren’t Healthy At All

A lot of foods out there marketed as being good for you really aren’t; they may have a few redeeming qualities but often these so-called health foods can actually do more harm to your body. They’re packed full of sugar, sodium, and fat while containing very little in terms of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When eating out at restaurants always opt for something fresh instead like steamed vegetables or a grilled fish dish.

If you’re not sure whether a food is healthy or not, it’s always best to ask the waitstaff before ordering. They’ll be more than happy to help out and can steer you towards something that will fit into your dietary needs while traveling.

Rule #07: Stay Hydrated!

This may seem like common sense but it’s so important that we have to mention it nonetheless; staying hydrated is key when trying to eat healthy on the road. Often times we get busy exploring a new city or town and forget to drink enough water, which can lead to feeling tired and sluggish. Carry around a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go and make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Your body will thank you for it!

We hope you found these tips useful and that they’ll help make eating healthy on the road a little bit easier. Just remember to be patient, take things one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Happy travels!