Healthy Summer Traveling
by
Christina Bartlett 
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Healthy Summer Traveling
It is important to take some time to plan ahead before you travel. This can be the deciding factor on how much you and your family will enjoy your summer vacation.
As summer break approaches, make sure you have all of your travel plans in place before you start your adventure. Doing so ensures that the whole family will have fun and enjoy the vacation. Here are a few tips when it comes to picking healthy foods on the go.
Pack a small cooler. This is a convenient way to incorporate meal and snack breaks without sacrificing too much money or travel time.
Meal and Snack Ideas:
- Cheese sticks
- Tuna or chicken salad
- Fruit salad
- Cut up vegetables
- Hummus
- Peanut butter
- Low-fat/Fat-free Yogurt
- Whole grain crackers
- Pretzels
- Low fat/Fat Free popcorn
- Sandwiches made with lean protein, whole grain bread, mustard and vegetables
- Nuts
- Water or other no/low calorie beverages
- Homemade trail mix
If you are unable to pack a cooler, be mindful of your food purchases. Yes, you are on vacation, but you don’t need to go overboard with the quantity of food consumed.
- Try to fill half of your plate full of color. Aim to add more fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks.
- Choose more lean protein. Trim visible fat and remove skin.
- Limit fried foods.
- Limit added fats, sugars and alcohol. These are empty calories!
The money you saved packing healthy meals and snacks will leave you with more money to spend on your vacation. Or, you can pocket the money for your next vacation.
Make sure you pack all the things you will need. Don’t pack the day of departure. This will only increase your chance of forgetting something. Think about the activities you are going to do while you are away, and pack appropriately.
Lastly, make sure the family, especially the children, know what to expect on the trip and have fun – enjoy your well-deserved break.
Grab-and-Go Snacks: Homemade Trail Mix Recipes Kids Can Make
Christina Bartlett RD, LD is a Registered Dietitian and the owner of Everything In Moderation. Dedicated to providing nutrition information that is tailored to the individual.
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- Do You Struggle With Planning Healthy Meals for Your Family?
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- Traveling Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
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- Where to Purchase Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) Foods and Some Favorite Brands
- Travel Tips for Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Issues
- Focus on Color
This post originally appeared on our May/June 2013 Magazine
