All too often we let the poison apple get the best of us on the road. It's quick, easy, and cheap to fetch that fajita at Taco Bell or nab some nuggets at McDonald's.
1. Fill up before hitting the road
In order to prevent yourself from falling into the clutches of a fast food restaurant on the road, you must eat a balanced and healthy meal or snack before getting behind the wheel. Not only will your energy and focus be dramatically boosted and sustained, you will also feel less inclined to stop for junk food when you're firing on all cylinders.
The most essential food items you can pump into the human fuel tank in the morning are whole grain cereals with skim or soy milk, an assortment of fresh fruit, and a tall glass of orange juice to top it all off.
2. Use online tools for on-road advice
Recently featured in the Wall Street Journal and hailed as a traveler's best friend, roadfood.com spies non-franchise restaurants and delis nearest to your current location.
Simply enter your location information into the text fields on the homepage and discover places where you can get real food made by real cooks and bakers. So why settle for less, use this simple tool and give your body the nourishment it needs on the road.
3. Choose the healthiest fast food option while traveling
Just because it appears to have franchise written all over it doesn't mean it's not a healthy choice. Recently rated by Health Magazine as #1 for Healthiest Food on the Go, Panera Bread is one of the tastiest and most wholesome eateries on the road.
Sink your teeth into a delectable and hearty whole grain sandwich or dive into a warm bowl of soup with an apple on the side. Even control your portion size with half-sized soups, sandwiches, and salads.
To top it all off, Panera Bread uses antibiotic and hormone-free meats and exceeds health inspection criteria. So ditch that McChicken laced with insidious preservation chemicals and get on over to Panera.
4. Stock up on satisfying snacks
Protein bars are a quick and easy snack, but they are often laden with calories and it's easy to down more than one while driving. "A better alternative is to pack a personal cooler and fill it up with nutrient-rich snacks such as fresh fruit, yogurt and crunchy carrot sticks," recommends Dr. Gayl Canfield, Ph.D, R.D., and Director of Nutrition at Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa in Aventura, FL.
Beverages can also be a hidden source of unwanted calories. "Rather than stopping for a soda, pack bottles of water instead," says Dr. Canfield. You'll arrive at your destination feeling lean, lively and light.
