We’ve all been there. After a long road trip, you shake out your legs—which feel like overcooked Ramen—and begin cleaning up the inside of your car. After you toss everything inside the trash bag, you peek inside at the chip bags, plastic candy wrappers, and soda cans. That’s not a trash bag to be proud of.
Whether visiting family or headed to the beach, it’s easy to slip into unhealthy food choices on long road trips. After all, what else is there to do? As a professional health coach who specializes in wellness from a Biblical perspective, here are five expert tips to help you eat well, stay nourished, and have fun during your summer travels.
1. Prepare and Track Snacks
Bring along a small cooler stocked with pre-portioned snacks such as nuts, carrots, blueberries, whole-grain crackers, and water. Having healthy options readily available will curb the temptation to indulge in unhealthy roadside snacks. To avoid mindless munching during long drives, keep a food log detailing what you eat and drink throughout the day. This awareness can help you make conscious choices and stay on track with your health goals.
2. Use the Time to Memorize or Play
For a lot of us, eating and drinking is road trip entertainment. Keep yourself and your companions entertained by choosing a Bible verse to memorize or adapting a classic road trip game. Can your travel buddies list a Bible character for every letter of the alphabet? (Hint: For the letter, “x,” King Ahasuerus in Esther was probably just another name of King Xerxes)
3. Utilize Hotel Amenities
Avoid dining out for every meal. Take advantage of the refrigerator and coffeemaker in your hotel room. Use hot water from the coffeemaker to prepare oatmeal for a satisfying and nutritious breakfast option.
4. Plan if Dining Out
If you find yourself without packed food, have a passenger research restaurants in the area ahead of time. By pre-determining your meal choice before entering a restaurant, you can resist the temptation of crispy fries and make a healthier choice for your meal.
5. Make Use of Welcome Centers
When passing through state welcome centers, take a break from driving by engaging in physical activities like playing Frisbee or taking a brisk walk. Moving your body not only helps prevent blood clots but also allows you to stretch your legs and get some much-needed exercise.
A summer road trip offers the perfect opportunity to explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories. By following five tips for healthy eating on the road, you can nourish your body with wholesome foods and maintain your well-being throughout your travels. Pack your snacks, plan your pit stops, and embark on a journey filled with adventure and a trash bag you can be proud of. And, don’t forget about King Xerxes.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/NoelHendrickson
Jesse Wirges is a wellness coach Medi-Share, the healthcare sharing ministry managed by Christian Care Ministry. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and WellCoaches of America Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She obtained her bachelor's degrees in biblical theology and exercise science from Grace University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
