Ways to NOT Gain Weight on a Road Trip!

These are questions I ask myself every time I begin a trip...and, with a little personal research I have come up with some easy solutions and suggestions to avoid the fast food travel rut. In no way does this writer claim any expertise in the dietary department, other than trial and error on my own part.

Most hotels/motels offer complimentary breakfasts and some even include healthy options, making it easy to start the day off right. Avoid the sugar cereals, donuts and pastries unless you look forward to the sugar rush and then sugar crash. Stick to protein items for some energy, foods lower in carbs (sugar), and always grab fresh fruit to snack on later in the day. Oatmeal is a good breakfast, wheat toast with peanut butter is good too. Of course, there are always those awesome waffle machines (that I want at home), and it's hard to resist a hot, fresh made waffle with sugary syrup, but believe me, once you start out healthy you will feel so much better that making healthy meal choices will become easier.

Snacks, as mentioned above should include fruits and fresh cool water instead of the easy fare of sodas and fast food hamburgers that are fried. Yes, we all love those extra-sized French fries. Don't get me wrong, I love fast food, but I find that when driving I feel much better if I eat lighter and a little healthier.

If you carry a cooler or portable plug-in ice chest it is easy to carry fresh chopped veggies such as carrots, celery, and broccoli, or keep cheese and fruits cool. Cold fruit juice (veggie juices are good too), or the ever popular bottles of water are easy to keep on hand and also save you money, rather than having you grab chips or other junk food and high sugar sodas.

Healthier eating options are more convenient to find than they use to be. Even fast food joints offer salads, yogurts and grilled sandwiches instead of only fried options. Try to push the salad/veggie regimen, fruit cups are good, fresh fruit platters, light soup/sandwich lunches or dinners will keep you from putting on pounds while you drive.

Eating earlier in the evening with the time to take a walk around a hotel parking lot, or a quick swim, or even a easy work out in a hotel fitness room all help you relax and rest better. Eating late when on the road then falling straight into bed will add to a sluggish feeling the next day making for a not-so-chipper start in the morning.

Sometimes leaving behind your normal daily routine offers you the opportunity to try new healthier options without friends and co-workers looking over your shoulder. Vacation gives you the chance to start new habits that can improve both you and your life.

Plan your trip, grab some healthy snacks, take that walk in the evening, and enjoy your trip. You will come home more relaxed and feel better for any little healthy change you make.