Eating Healthfully on Vacation
IN SEASONAL HEALTH
Summer is just around the corner, and with it come family vacations. Whether you are planning a road trip to see relatives or a flight overseas, take some time to plan your family’s meal choices. Don't load up on greasy fast food and other high-calorie options just because you are out and about. A little planning can help ensure your family stays healthy.
In the Friendly Skies
Salty pretzels, soft drinks, and sugary cookies are often the only snack options on planes. Pack trail mix, fresh vegetables, or whole-grain cookies in your carry-on bag as a healthy snack alternatives. If you decide to bring yogurt, soup, or any other liquid, make sure it fits the three-ounce-or-smaller container guideline for security. Also, you are allowed to bring food onto the plane from places inside the airport that are located beyond the security checkpoint. So look for bottled water, fresh fruit, or other healthy options in the airport to take with you on the plane if you are too busy to pack a snack at home.
In the Car
If a road trip is on the agenda, think ahead and pack healthy lunches and snacks for the trip (see below for snack ideas). For lunches, a quick picnic is a great alternative to stopping by the nearest fast food restaurant. One easy family-pleasing options is healthy, portable meals like turkey sandwiches on whole-grain bread, and a cup of fruit.
At a Restaurant
Like many on vacation, you will probably be hitting up multiple restaurants. Follow these tips from the American Heart Association (americanheart.org) to eat healthfully while dining out:
- Avoid fried, sautéed, stuffed, and au gratin foods. Opt for broiled, baked, or steamed dishes instead.
- Ask for salad dressings, gravy, and sauces on the side to let you control the amount of these high-calorie condiments you consume.
- Request that your foods be prepared with vegetable oil and margarine instead of high-fat oils and butter.
| Healthy Road Snacks
It can be easy to stock up during a road trip on chips, candy, and high-calorie coffee drinks at the gas station. However, preparing healthy snacks ahead of time can make a big difference in eating well on the road. Choose some of these alternatives to ensure you and your family get the right nutrition while traveling:
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Sources: americanheart.org, cnn.com, helpguide.org, msnbc.msn.com, roadtripamerica.com. © 2013. True North Custom Media. All Rights Reserved.
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