A key component to a successful diet is controlling your eating habits while on vacation. According the American Dietetic Association, thinking about meals ahead of time promotes healthy eating when on the run. Eating away from home can be detrimental to your diet if proper planning and organizing are not in place.
Step 1
Make healthy travel snacks. Avoid rest-area vending machines by stocking the vehicle with healthy foods. Healthy snacks include trail mix, fruit, vegetables, and whole-wheat crackers and cheese.
Step 2
Pack a cooler in the car to make healthy meals such as salads and sandwiches instead of fast-food meals. Eat at rest-area picnic tables to avoid fast-food temptation.
Step 3
Reserve lodging that includes a kitchen. Save money and calories by cooking one or two meals a day. Eat cold breakfast and lunch if a kitchen is not available. Bring a cooler stocked with breakfast foods, and salad and sandwich materials.
Step 4
Research local restaurants, their menus and nutrition information prior to the trip. Plan on eating at least one meal a day at a restaurant. The American Heart Association suggests discussing healthy options with the wait staff at the restaurant if the menu is confusing.
Step 5
Share high-calorie snacks or meals with a friend as a way to reduce calories. Enjoy a treat with half the calories and half the guilt.
Step 6
Find the local grocery store. Stock your room with fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks to avoid binging on high-calorie snacks.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not get discouraged if non-diet food is consumed. Enjoy vacation time. Likewise, do not give up on healthy choices. Healthy options are available at most restaurants.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy snacks
- Cooler
- Cold breakfast foods
- Cold lunch ingredients
- List of local restaurants
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