5 ways to stay healthy on the road and on vacation this summer (Protein ball recipe included!)

Keep it simple. Sometimes we over-complicate the whole meal prep and planning stuff. That becomes a barrier in and of itself. Instead of fixating on having everything be “perfect,” focus on a few items that you and the family like that are higher protein and fiber content. As a nutritionist, protein and fiber are my go-to highlights for healthy eating. I highly recommend bringing a small cooler with you, even for day trips. That way, you can bring fresh food items and have good, satisfying choices at your fingertips.

Examples include:

-beef jerky (although it can be high in sodium). I love the Trader Joe’s version or Archer brand jerky

-electrolyte packets (I love the lower sugar options, like Ultima)

-cheese sticks

-carrot and celery sticks

-shredded chicken in a Tupperware or bag

-lean turkey meat (you can roll it with a piece of Swiss cheese for a more robust bite)

-protein balls (Recipe below!).

Choose strategically at fast food restaurants and gas marts. We all have our treats on a road trip. Personally, I love peanut M&Ms and an iced coffee on a road trip. But, I usually eat half of the small bag and save the rest for later or for the trip back. It’s okay to indulge a little. But for the most part, try to look for the fridge section of the gas station mart. Many of them carry products like the snack packs with hummus and pretzel thins or charcuterie mixes. This way, you’re getting some protein and staving off hunger for a while longer. For those fast food stops, just keep in mind balance. Want to go for the Big Mac?…then forget the fries. Having a hamburger is going to be a better choice than most other items on the menu, believe it or not, especially if you add tomatoes and pickles with it. It’s all about the small choices that make a big difference. Hydrate. I know, it’s so redundant and boring, but oh so important! I get sick of water easily, so I really enjoy adding no-sugar electrolyte mix to my water so that I drink more of it throughout the day. Keep a water bottle on hand at all times. When you’re holding it or it’s right next to you in the drink holder, you’re more likely to automatically take sips of it. And your kids will too!

Take advantage of sightseeing with a family walk after dinner or after you arrive at your destination. After a meal, moving helps stabilize insulin levels, promote digestion and burn a few extra calories all while improving mental health by being outdoors.  Not to mention, it increases blood flow and helps circulation when you’ve been sitting in a car or plane all day. On this note,  walk around at rest stops or take advantage of those viewpoints to get the body moving and give yourself some fresh air breaks.

Hydrate. I know, it’s so redundant and boring, but oh so important! I get sick of water easily, so I really enjoy adding no-sugar electrolyte mix to my water so that I drink more of it throughout the day. Keep a water bottle on hand at all times. When you’re holding it or it’s right next to you in the drink holder, you’re more likely to automatically take sips of it. And your kids will too! My girls and I each have fun-colored Owalla water bottles and love them for travel.

Outsource! If you are too hot and tired to make your own food, Getaway Gourmet can take care of your meals whether staying home or doing an RV or AirBnB adventure. Gourmet cook and nutritionist, Ashlie (me), will do the work for you and deliver the fresh foods to your door before you embark. All foods come with reheating instructions, and you can even customize the foods to your preferences and dietary restrictions. Just order on the website and make sure to specify delivery date and location. Website: 

• https://www.getawaygourmet.biz/menu

  Foods on the menu include, flank steak with chimichurri, egg casseroles, charcuterie plates, baked pastas, and so much more! Take advantage of the coupon on the Getaway Gourmet ad in this issue to receive a free dessert!

Yields approx. 20 balls

 Simply combine the following ingredients by mixing the first 4 ingredients until incorporated. Then, add the rest and mix until well combined. Form 1-2 inch balls by hand and place in container in fridge. You can watch me make them & many other foods on my Instagram @getawaygourmet_ 

Ingredients: 

-1/2 cup honey (or molasses or maple syrup)

-3 scoops protein powder (or more)

-1/2 cup nut butter

-pinch of salt

-2/3 cups old fashioned oats

-2/3 cups chocolate chips

-2/3 cups rice crispies

- 1 T. flax or chia seeds