5 Tips For Eating Healthy While On The Road
When you finally get on the road for your vacation, it is a time to relax, let loose, and throw caution to the wind. However, that also usually means splurging when it comes to dining out and indulging in foods you normally wouldn't eat. The key to not ruining your diet, or breaking out of your normal habits, not to mention making yourself sick, is moderation. Of course, moderation is something you probably hear all the time, but how do you achieve that on vacation? Follow these 5 tips to make the most out of your vacation meals:
Carry non-perishable, healthy snacks with you. When you pack for your trip include small zip lock baggies and snacks that are compact and do not need refrigeration such as: almonds, trail mix, and cereal are all great snacks to have on hand to help curb hunger and also save you money since they are much less than convenience store snacks.
Request a mini refrigerator and microwave in your hotel room. You can store left over food from dining out in the refrigerator; it makes a great late night snack. Having a refrigerator also affords you several opportunities. You will now be able to also have fresh fruit and vegetable snacks when you are away for short periods of time. How about breakfast? Instead of room service, a refrigerator and microwave means you can store milk in the fridge and make instant grits or oatmeal in the microwave in the morning. Along with the in-room coffee makers which pretty much come standard in today's hotel rooms and some fresh fruit makes for a very nice and healthy breakfast.
Order a salad. Ordering a side salad with lunch and dinner ensures that you are getting some fresh vegetables in each meal before the main dish arrives, yet still gives you the opportunity to try different foods, in smaller portions.
Carry all natural sweeteners with you. Before leaving for your trip, bring packets of your favorite sweetener with you. Many people are now aware of the all-natural sugar substitutes that have hit the market. Brands like Stevia and Truvia are available, which is a sweetener that is completely natural, made from fruit and none of the harsh chemicals that can be in those pink and blue packets on the restaurant table. Just because you are traveling does not mean that you have to settle for artificial flavoring in your teas or coffees.
Stay hydrated. This is probably one of the most important tasks you have while traveling because it is so easy to get wrapped up in your vacation agenda and forget to drink. Bring bottled water with you as much as possible and be sure to drink a glass of water before each meal to help fill you up and keep your body hydrated.
Jason Hall is blogger and Brand Manager for Budget Rent a Car. He enjoys writing about traveling tips and stories.