Three Simple Ways to Maintain Health on Vacation!

Most American families love road trips, camping, or vacations. In the summer and autumn people pack their belongings and head off to a new and exciting place or a fun campground. The kids jump with excitement and the adults bask in the joy.

There is always one thing that families have an issue with, and that is eating while away from home. Almost every woman I know comes back from their trip heavier then when they left. We all like to indulge and eat good foods, but when we are on vacation we seem to forget about our health. Making these three small changes can keep you healthy and provide you and your family with more energy during your trip. Not to mention you will all have less mood swings as a result of sugar imbalances.

Replace your snacks: Eating in the car can become a dangerous habit for all involved. Not only does it cause danger for the driver with divided attention but for those that eat out of boredom during the drive. Chips, cookies, and other empty-calorie foods are among the favorites of road trip snacks. But healthy snacks can be fun and tasty. Be sure to make these snacks age appropriate and easily chewable. Vegetable sticks, string cheese, halved grapes, and granola are all great for the kids. If you choose to bring cookies along, purchase oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate chip or crème-filled favorites that your children would consume in record time.

Skip the fast food chains: Even with the tempting dollar menu, these are not healthy alternatives to healthy meals. Pack lunches, or bring a cooler with some deli meat and wheat bread. You can stop along the way and prepare a fresh lunch at a picnic table. Some of the best memories can be had when you have these simple stops during your road trip. If possible, choose a hotel that has an oven and refrigerator so you can prepare healthy casseroles and prepare them during your stay. This is the best way to know what is in your food. To keep it fun, let the kids pick the meals ahead of time and prepare them. To experience the local food, have one lunch and one dinner out. This will also keep your wallet full and your kids happy!

Stay hydrated: Soda and coffee are often consumed as well, providing little hydration, too much sugar, and kid-Unfriendly caffeine. Kids have a hard time being patient as a rule. When you add sugar and caffeine to the equation you can forget about your happy trip! Bring bottled water for drinks instead of sugar-laden sodas and juices. Bottled water (even if filled from the tap) is by far, the best drink for the ride.

With these strategies in place, you can enjoy not only a wonderful family vacation, but you can maintain health and energy the entire time. When you come back, your friends will wonder if you were with the kids or at the spa for your vacation!