Tips for Eating Healthy on the Road

Are you planning a camping trip, a road trip, or a trek to the mountains this summer? I am all about taking advantage of summer weather with mini-vacations, but finding the best options to fuel your body during a long drive can be tough. 

That's why I've compiled a list of tips to make traveling on the road fun and nutrient-dense. 

1. Plan. Plan. Plan.
Map out your travel plans so you can take into consideration things like: how many hours on the road and for how many days, are you flying right now or at any point, if and when you'll have access to a grocery store, and if you'll need to map out restaurants (which provide healthy options) ahead of time. 
Bringing homemade snacks is always a great idea for any trip, and you can always plan to hit up a grocery store as soon as you arrive at your destination. Make sure to shop for enough snacks to last until your next grocery trip.

Try my favorite homemade granola recipe here that I always take on long road trips.

2. Be a Smart Snacker
Many portable and non-perishable food items also tend to be highly processed, leaving us feeling tired and depleted. Look for snacks that leave you feeling energized and awake. Plan out snacks that are high in protein to keep you feeling full throughout the day and eliminate cravings. 
Some of my favorite snacks include:

• Hard-boiled eggs with nuts and seeds.

• Pre-mixed hemp seeds, chia seeds, and crushed nuts: to blend into your snacks and meals, such as smoothies and salads from a restaurant. 

• Mixed nuts and dried fruit: all you need is a handful every few hours to help keep you full and energized.

• Fresh fruit: fruits with tough exterior work best for travel, such as apples, oranges, and bananas (not too ripe). Pair them with a nut butter you packed in a container and you've added some healthy fats.

• Homemade granola, muffins, cookies, and energy bars. The recipes below are nutrient-dense and designed to get you through the day, whether it be an extended period of driving or even long hours at work. 

Banana Coconut Protein Bars
Cranberry Energy Bars
Coconut Brownie Bites

3. You Can Still Eat Healthy at Restaurants
Eating at restaurants while on vacation is inevitable, exciting, and fun. It is super easy these days to go dairy and gluten-free which can both cause inflammation in the body. Don't be afraid to choose the restaurant you want to go to. Scope out the menu in advance and don't be afraid to make some phone calls and ask some questions. (Just don't call during peak times). You can also ask about specials and make sure to ask questions overall! You are the only one who is an advocate for YOUR health. 

4. Go Easy on Yourself
The word balance is always thrown around, but here's the thing: balance is always going to look different depending on what is going on in your life at that time. Also, context is extremely important. What it really comes down to is the purpose behind your balance. If your purpose behind eating nutrient-dense foods while on the road is to have energy and feel good then you will find that balance. 

Eating "healthy" 100% of the time is difficult and probably unrealistic. This can be especially challenging when we are away from home with different routines and access to unfamiliar resources. Remember to enjoy your vacation with friends and family and everything else will fall into place.
Aka your purpose :)

5. Have fun!
If eating nutrient-dense foods isn't something you enjoy doing, then you are less likely to stick to it. So make it fun! Ask a friend or family member to help make the granola recipe, discover a local farmers' market, or explore delicious new restaurants that offer nutrient-dense options. This isn't something to do because you "should," but because you want to. Most important of all is to have fun and enjoy your vacation! 

I hope you found this list helpful and will turn it to for your next road trip!