Staying Healthy While You Travel
Well, after traveling over 2000 miles in a car with an almost 3-year-old and a 9 month old didn't drive me as crazy as I thought. They were incredibly good, barely a peep out of them except my 2-year-old is constantly hungary. She is always snacking and her favorite thing to say is "I wanta eat!" So I was armed and ready with fresh and dried fruit, nuts and seeds, banana chips, humus and carrots, and even pretzels. But after a while snacking stops holding over the hunger and you actually want a real meal and of course time out of the car to stretch and gain some sanity. Even I need to eat a salad or sandwich for lunch and I'm a big grazer, but bananas won't hold me over forever!What did drive me crazy being away with my family for a week was how hard it is to find a place to eat that offers healthy options and how tough food choices are on the road. Hence I refuse to support fast food chains, except Chick-Fil-a once in a blue moon-we're talking twice a year tops. (I know my poor kids will be deprived! I figure as they get older-I'm sure they will be eating it more when they're out with friends, on traveling sports teams, or attend birthday parties.)After riding in the car for hours and hours, and hearing "Mama, I wannnaa eat" for the fiftieth time we opted to stop at a "Ruby Tuesdays." They definitely have healthier options! Even after reaching our final destination of "Disney World" I was surprised how hard it was to find healthy choices. We searched half way around one park in search of something other than chicken fingers and burgers. Don't get me wrong you should be able to eat and enjoy these foods in moderation but I had a hard time understanding why there wasn't other options on the healthier side especially since most people spend their entire day and multiple days at Disney. It blew my mind that a world set around children and their well-being, including their happiness, growth, and knowledge left little option of being nutritious. 
It definitely proved harder than I thought to eat well while you travel. It's has to be even harder for people who have health restrictions or dieting. I know I spent money on chocolate chip cookies all three days I was at Disney. Not like me at all, but I was on vacation and they were displayed in almost every cafe and I couldn't resist them! :) Gota live a little, right?So, here are my best options for traveling, eating well, and chosing healthier options.
- Pack snacks, water, and juices- you'll be less likely to go for the not-so-good for you snacks.
- Make lunch and take it with you- sandwiches and salads.
- Cook where you're staying.- Save your diet, health, and your wallet.
- Make smoothies for breakfast-they will actually keep you feeling fuller and you can jump-start your day with all your vitamins and energy packed nutrients. Don't forget your Vitamix or blender! (I actually lugged my heavy Vitamix with us and it got used multiple times, every day.)
- Everything in moderation Enjoy the foods you love especially on vacation!
