Eating Healthy on the Road

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

23 Jun 2008 03:28 PM

One of the most difficult things about traveling at any time of life, but particularly during pregnancy is maintaining a healthy diet. When you are at home, you control the ingredients and cooking methods used to prepare your food. This allows you to control the nutrition and calories you are consuming, as well as feeding your growing baby.

When you are traveling, you just don't have the same amount of control. Eating healthy on the run isn't easy, particularly with recent news reports showing that the calories and fat content is often substantially higher than what restaurants have been reporting. With a little planning, you can eat healthy on the road.

If you are traveling by car, the first thing you should do is pack a cooler for the road. Include healthy foods, such as protein sources, fruits and vegetables. Snacks such as individual cups of yogurt, string cheese and carrot sticks travel well and can be enjoyed at any time on the road. Make a fruit salad with five or more of your favorite fruits. Toss a bit of orange juice in at the end to help prevent apples and pears from browning.

When you are traveling by car, you can pack healthy lunch alternatives, such as salads, roasted chicken or turkey. Include whole grains, protein, calcium and fresh fruits or vegetables to create a more balanced diet away from home. Of course, a cooler will only get you as far as your destination, so you will have to get creative once you arrive.

Try to choose a hotel with a mini refrigerator in your room. This will allow you to go to the local grocery store and stock up on healthy snacks and breakfast items. Limiting the number of meals you eat in restaurants will help limit the excess fat, sodium, preservatives and calories that come with eating out.

There will be meals you will eat in restaurants and, for many people; this is part of the fun of being on vacation. If you have eaten healthy for the rest of the day, don't feel guilty about extra calories at dinner. You can make healthy choices by avoiding heavy sauces and fried items on the menu.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger