nutrition

Road Trip Menu Tips
By Tracy Adler

The Igloo Meal: If you’ll be in the car for more than three hours, bring a cooler. Pack small snacks in ‘snack size’ plastic bags – one for each family member to avoid devouring an entire box or bag of treats. Err on the side of under-packing in case your passengers are prone to eating out of boredom. Healthy snacks such as fruit are great if you know your crew will eat it. Cut fruit into bite size pieces before leaving the house and you might be surprised at how well they’re received.

Restaurants:  Most fast food restaurants now offer healthy selections in addition to their regular fare. This doesn’t mean strictly salads – grilled sandwiches and smaller-sized burgers are good choices, and if you must have fries, split them between two people. If you have the time, sit-down establishments typically offer healthier choices.

Interstate Rest Area:  Use the rest stops for more than just a bathroom break. When spending 10 or 12 hours in the car each day, you won’t get the activity your body needs to function optimally. Be sure you plan for travel breaks and dedicate a minimum of 15 minutes at each stop. Encourage everyone to get out of the car to stretch and walk. 

The Kitchenette: If your family is staying in a hotel for a week or renting a vacation cottage, try to get one with a kitchenette. It may cost a little more, but you’ll save money by not having to eat out every meal. You can stock up with bagels, cereal, and deli meats and save your dining out budget for a nice dinner out.

Take your family on an enjoyable vacation away from home, but not away from healthful meals. It’s not as difficult as you may think, and comes down to balance. You and your family can still enjoy the edible treats of amusement parks and campfires as long as you choose more nutritious foods in between.
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Tracy Adler is a mom of two and owner of Western North Carolina's Cafe on the Square restaurant. She was 'discovered' by Burt’s Bees® owners during a visit to her restaurant and became a model for their natural skin care line. Tracy created Yum Yum Dishes™ (www.yumyumdish.com), a line of portion-control SnackWare™ when she recognized just how much she and her family were snacking during her second child's maternity leave. Tracy believes in enjoying decadent sweets -- in moderation -- so her restaurant patrons get to take the dishes home after they eat their treats! That's why Tracy is on Hollander's Comfort Council; she believes one of life's pleasures is food and eating meals together as a family. We just need to explore ways to enjoy food in moderation. A natural Martha-Stewart type, she is constantly researching wonderful ways to balance food, family and fun!  E-mail her at tracy@yumyumdish.com