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Healthier Road Trip Snacks

It’s easy to load up the car with sweets and every gas stop tempts you with more. By the time you get to Grandma’s house, the kids are wired from all the sugar they consumed and you feel a little bloated having dashed your commitment to eating better.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

The following tips will help you eat better as you cross the country.

First drink lots of water. Because you are riding in an air conditioned car and not active, it is easy to overlook the need for water. A body that is not hydrated properly is not functioning well. Keep water bottles handy, some for everyone. If you are sipping on a water bottle, you’re not quite so likely to stick another piece of candy in your mouth.

Plan ahead. Pick up some healthier goodies at the grocery store. One of our favorite meals on the go is Gouda cheese, whole wheat crackers, and apple slices. But that takes some prior shopping.

Be prepared. If you are going to eat in the car, it’s nice to have a bag packed with napkins, disposable wipes, and plastic silverware. Throw a salt and pepper shaker and a pocket knife in this bag. You find these items handy.

The following list of healthier choices will give you some ideas. Some of these are healthier than others but all probably better than the fare usually picked up at the gas stop. Some items such as the cheese and cut fruit needs to be refrigerated. Make sure that perishables are kept at 40 degrees or cooler.

• Whole wheat crackers
• Pretzels
• Granola
• Trail mix
• Yogurt
• Lower fat cheese such as Gouda. Cleaned and sliced raw vegetables.
• Grapes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Apples, oranges, and bananas
• Nuts
• V-8 or other juices
• Whole wheat bagels with light cream cheese or jam
• Popcorn
• Reduced fat or sugar-free jell-o or pudding cups
• Sandwiches