Summer is here and many of us will embark on a few journeys during the next three months. Weekend getaways to the beach or to the mountains. Long weekends to the cabin. Holiday travel over the 4th of July and over the Labor Day weekend. Road trips and airports can wreak havoc on our wellbeing if we don’t plan in advance and make wise choices. All it takes is a little preparation and planning to keep us from the potholes of bad foods.
If you’re traveling by car, packing a picnic basket and cooler is a great way to ensure that you have healthy choices at your fingertips. Some great memories can be made as you look for fun picnic stops along your way. Stock the car with fruits, trail mix, water, juice, etc. The food items that are in your pantry at home can be transferred to your car. Not only will this decision help your waistline….it will also help save you money! If you have children, eating a picnic lunch at a park or roadside rest area can provide them an opportunity to play, run, and be loud….something they cannot do (or should not do) in a restaurant.
If you’re traveling by airplane, it is definitely a good choice to bring snacks….most airports snacks are not healthy and are very expensive. Also, bring your water bottle along…. No, you cannot have water in it when you go through security, but you can take an empty water bottle through security and then all you have to do is find a water fountain. Some airports have water filtering systems that provide good water for you. I’ve been in two airports in the last few months that had this kind of system (Portland, Maine, and Chicago, Illinois).
Many hotel rooms now provide a small refrigerator and microwave. Find a local co-op, farmer’s market, roadside stands, and grocery stores that provides healthy options once you arrive at your destination and stock your room with healthy foods. If you are staying in a cabin or camper, you can really make great choices because you have the ability to cook, as well.
If you decide to eat out, do the local economy a favor….seek out restaurants that are local and provide farm-fresh foods and regional, ethic cuisine instead of going to national chain restaurants. If possible, I always seek out local restaurants when I’m traveling just like I do when I’m at home.
On my recent trip to Michigan, I stocked my car with fresh fruit, veggies, hummus, black beans, salsa, blue corn tortilla chips and only had to purchase my soy latte. It was easy, fast and cost efficient. On my way back to Tennessee, I did the same and then made a stop at Whole Foods in Indianapolis to purchase my supper and, of course, a vegan chocolate chip cookie for my dessert!
Don’t be at the mercies of gas station convenient marts and fast food!!! Be proactive and make GOOD choices. Here are some resources that can help you do this:
www.healthyhighways.com/travelinfo.shtml (Lists 2,800 US healthy eateries, natural food markets and co-ops.)
www.eatwellguide.org (Locate real food via zip code or city and state)
www.localharvest.org (Find a farmers’ market by product or location)
www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php (Vegetarian Journal’s guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the US and Canada)
Apps for your phone – Bon’ App, Locavore App, Happy Cow App, and iVegetarian App
Happy, healthy traveling!
Angela Prather 