Health - Fitness

Eating Well on the Road

By Bridget Swinney, Parenting
 
See Also
How eating salads -- and green leafy veggies -- can help prevent varicose veins - Parenting.com
Between fast-food stops and regular snack and ice cream breaks, it's easy to overdo it on no-good-for-you foods while on vacation. Some ways to help your family keep a healthy balance:

  • Pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for a car or plane ride to reduce the number of roadside or airport fast-food stops. Turkey sandwiches, baby carrots, apples, bananas, dried fruit, nuts, whole-grain crackers, string cheese, and bottled juice are nutritious options -- and travel well.

  • Look for a hotel with an in-room kitchen or mini-fridge. Then stock healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack fixings, such as yogurt, lean deli meats, precut veggies, and fresh fruit.

  • To keep energy up, make sure your family always eats a hearty breakfast. If your hotel offers a free continental breakfast, find out what it includes ahead of time. It can mean anything from nutrient-void fare (a powdered fruit drink and packaged danish) to healthier items, such as fruit, bagels, cereal, milk, and juice.

  • Don't fall into the daily burger-and-fries trap. Look for places that serve a variety of foods, like grilled or roasted chicken, pasta, chili, veggie burgers, and pizza.

  • Avoid soda overload: Carry a water bottle for your child, and remind him to drink often to prevent dehydration.



PRINT
Quick Poll

Would you let your tween go trick or treating with just a group of friends?

No way, there are too many weirdoes out there!
For a little while, but only during daylight hours.
Sure, as long as they keep in touch with me.


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

30+ Easy Ways to Pamper Yourself

Treating yourself can be cheap (even free!) and fast if you follow these relaxing, refreshing tips for mom

promotion
 

Blog: Our Editors' Daily Fave

Maura make sense of the new study that says kids should be in rear-facing car seats until age 4. Lauren reveals what it's like to interview Kate Gosselin. Plus: would you wear sperm earrings? Updated frequently by Parenting and Babytalk Editors.

Blog: The Parenting Post

Mighty Maggie: "If you thought the difference between the Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers was huge, take a look at the expanse between the Boomers and THEIR kids." Updated daily!

Want to Test Products?

Parenting needs your opinion! Sign up for a chance to be a Mom Tester to review (and keep) toys, beauty products, baby gear and more.

Share Your Vacation Pix and Win!

Send us great family vacation photos and your best advice for traveling with a baby. Three moms will win a fab diaper bag!