Are you wondering how to eat healthy while on a road trip?

Are you planning a fun getaway on the road? Fret not. I've got the best tips for how to eat healthy while on a road trip. From things to pack, prepackaged foods, what to avoid, and how to preserve your groceries while on the go, we have the tips and tricks of the trade you need. Now let's get started. Just because you're driving 1,500 miles doesn't mean you need to live on jerky and donuts alone.

Here's How to Eat Healthy While on a Road Trip

I've gone on my fair share of trips. And through the ups and downs of travel, I've learned how to eat healthy while on a road trip. Don't get me wrong. That doesn't mean I haven't had my fair share of run-ins with donuts, everything salty, and surviving off of bagels (proving that man can live on bread alone). But through the processes and messy parts of travel, you learn how to improve each time. Messing up one way just shows you how to do it better the next time. I'm here to help you skip those steps and get straight to the good stuff. Your health is important. Treat it like it is. 

1. Pack Ahead

This might sound like the most generic step but it is critical. Pack ahead. When it comes to how to eat healthy while on a road trip, you can't do it if you buy everything on the go. More often than not, you will come across long stretches of open road that have nothing but gas station food (if you even want to call it that). Pack an ice chest full of things and cook what you can for your first day's meal. 

The trick here is to not pack too much right away. You don't want to overstuff your ice chest so it doesn't close properly or get more food than you can eat before your ice melts. Make sure to restock on fresh ice as needed to preserve your food. And if it is hot outside, bring your ice chest into the hotel or hostel where you are staying at night. If you're traveling outside, leave it in your car (thanks, nature's refrigerator). Salads, yogurt, milk and milk substitutes, orange juice, fruit juice, water, lunch meat, and pre-cooked items like a whole grain pasta are all good to bring. 

2. Make Sure to Change the Ice Out as Needed

I know I already mentioned this but it is worth re-emphasizing. Change the ice out as needed. The big mistake my boyfriend and I made (even on our last road trip) was being lazy and forgetting to change out the ice. Granted we were doing a west coast road trip in winter, so we thought the outside temperatures would be enough to refrigerate our foods. It wasn't in the long haul. Make sure to get ice as soon as more than half has melted, especially during hot weather. This is one of the best tips for how to eat healthy while on a road trip – preserve your foods. 

3. Buy Food as Needed (Try to Stop at Grocery Stores)

If you can, try to scope out what grocery stores you will pass along the way. Keep an eye out on Maps as you plot along your route. This is a great way to try and avoid that unhealthy gas station food. Buy some fresh fruit, salad mix, a smoothie for the road, and healthy grains. 

4. Book Your Stay at Hotels with a Continental Breakfast

This could easily be my favorite thing about traveling. I absolutely love having a continental breakfast. For an indecisive girl with a small appetite, it's a dream come true. I can get a little bit of everything in small portions. But all jokes aside, this is a fantastic way to start your day off right. Help yourself to some whole grain toast or cereal, fresh fruit, orange juice, milk, and whatever breakfast foods your heart desires. 

5. Pack Granola Bars, Dried Fruit, and a Lot of Water

Try your best and pack healthy snack items that can curb your appetite while you are between healthy meals. Drink a lot of water to; staying hydrated is so important. When it comes to how to eat healthy while on a road trip, these tips are critical. Eating healthy foods you brought like unsalted cashews, granola bars, and dried fruit will fill you in the right way and help you avoid those salty, sugar-loaded, super-processed foods you will find in drive-thrus and gas stations. 

Plan Ahead: Know How to Eat Healthy While on a Road Trip

Now that you know some tips for how to eat healthy while on a road trip, you're more ready than before. Keeping in rhythm when you travel can be hard. What are some ways you stay healthy and fit on the go? Let us know in the comment section below.

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