Healthy Road Trip Food?

Hi everyone! My hubby and I are finally going on our honeymoon. I am super excited, but nervous about my diet. I haven't been to a McDonald's in 50 days and I would really like to steer clear of fast food for the most part! We are going on a road trip down south (around the Tennessee area). So does anybody have any suggestions on healthy food while you are on the road? And while I am asking, does anybody know of any cool spots we should stop by? We are free spirits with no set plan, we just want to live the gypsy life for a week! Maybe even see North Carolina? Anyway, all of your thoughts are appreciated!

Replies

  • Imadarkswan
    Imadarkswan Posts: 113 Member
    Tennessee has some stunning places to visit. Are you going to East, Middle or West Tennessee?
    The state parks in any of the places are fabulous.
    Go to www.tn.gov/environment/parks/ and see what each park has going on where you are headed

    As for Road Trip Food - We eat at Logan's Roadhouse a lot and I get something from the Health Nut Menu
    Ruby Tuesdays also has some good options
    Genghis Grill - pretty good choices there as well


    If you do have to stop for fast food, McDonald's Grilled Bacon Ranch Salad is great - but ask for the Balsamic Vinagrette Dressing
    Wendys - The Spicy Chicken Ceasar Salad (ask for Grilled Chicken instead) and then a small chili or 1/2 plain baked potato
    Sonic - Grilled Chicken Wrap
    And then of course Subway - turkey sandwich on regular Italian with all veggies and spicy mustard!
  • juliep1974
    juliep1974 Posts: 222 Member
    On road trips, I pack a cooler full of healthy things for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Most hotels have ice machines so you can refill your ice before you leave each day. Have a great trip!
  • chellec23
    chellec23 Posts: 147 Member
    Hey, Kalamazoo girl!! Sorry I get all excited when I run into Michigan people since i moved to Arkansas lol I'm from Hartford :)

    Okay, so, snackage....I recommend bringing a cooler and packing fruits, veggies, sandwiches...anything healthy that you would normally eat that doesn't need to be heated up. The last time we took a run to Michigan we packed up a cooler to save money and it was a lot healthier too.

    Unfortunately I can't offer suggestions on where to stop because you're going in a direction I haven't been. But best of luck to you, be safe, and have fun!! :)
  • I wish I knew some super cool places to stop through, but I can give you some healthy snack suggestions, so i'm good for somethin! Hehe.

    Lets see..

    Nuts
    Fruit--Apples, Bananas, Oranges, Plums, Tangerines, Kiwis, Grapes
    Pop Chips
    Snap Pea Crisps
    Energy Bars/granola bars
    Beef Jerky (just watch the sodium)
    Dry Cereal
    Cherry Tomatoes
    Edamame

    Also--can you guys take a small cooler with the ice packs?

    If so, you could do..

    Cheese sticks (string cheese or colby jack)
    Celery w/ peanut butter
    Carrots
    Lunch Meat
    Greek Yogurt

    Not much--but maybe it helps a little? Have a WONDERFUL honeymoon!! :)
  • Jul158
    Jul158 Posts: 481 Member
    I always pack snacks when I travel : ) My favorites that don't need refrigeration are: raw almonds, all raw nuts/seeds, unsweetened dried fruits, pre-made almond butter sandwiches, Luna Protein bars, unsweetened oatmeal packets (just add hot water), & all fresh fruits (bananas are great) and veggies! I have a tough time portioning trail mix so I tend to avoid that. If you have a cooler, cheese sticks & hard boiled eggs are also great. Hope this helps!
  • MensEtSalvere2013
    MensEtSalvere2013 Posts: 230 Member
    I would try and pack a cooler full of healthy foods like grapes, banannas, carrots, and guacolme if you like that with some veggies; Wholy Guacamole has snack packs. Also, I would try to stay at hotels that have a mini-fridge in the room. Also try and pack healthy nuts like almonds or walnuts and protein bars. Subway is also a good option for the road. If you do go off program though, enjoy it! You are on your honeymoon afterall :) Also, Asheville, NC is a nice place to stop. The Blue Ridge Mountains are amazing! I hope you have a wonderful Honeymoon!!!
  • We definitely plan on seeing Nashville and then east from there, but if there is something really worth seeing west, than we would be open to heading that way too!
  • Wow! Thank you for all of these suggestions! I am going to buy a good sized cooler, somehow I don't have one!
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    Definitely look up some bbq and soul food places to stop by when you're there. We found some good ones in NC but I have no idea what the names were. Not the healthiest food but it's stuff I can't get in the Boston area (especially good sweet tea and hush puppies).

    For on the go snacks, anything that doesn't need refrigeration is easiest. We usually bring fruits and veggies (especially cut up ones), protein bars, homemade healthy breads/bars/muffins/granola/etc. There's a book called The Homemade Pantry that has good recipes for snack stuff (like healthy pop tarts). If you're staying in a place with a microwave and you have a cooler, your options open up. I make homemade hot pockets, artisan bread (need a cooler for cheese, no cooler for jam), homemade pizza (makes a good snack on the first leg of the trip even if you don't have a fridge/cooler/microwave later). Dried fruits and nuts travel really well. Hard boiled eggs (again, either for a few hours of the first part of the trip or if you have a cooler). A loaf of bread and a jar of almond butter (and/or jam).
  • I am just going to comment like crazy on my own topic, haha! I love the Asheville, North Carolina idea. My husband said he really wanted to go there too, so I am marking it as a stop!
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    I pack nuts, in 1/4 cup portions in baggies. With apples, bananas, kale chips, beef jerky and water.

    Burger King has a veggie burger and Wendys has a few good salads. If you ever see a QT (quick stop) they have some healthy options.

    Have fun!
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    Also, if you do make your way to NC and like animals, check out Lazy 5 Ranch. Probably one of the most fun things we did on our trip. Opt for the wagon instead of driving through. You ride in the wagon with a bucket of food and get to see, touch & feed all sorts of cool animals. They have an awesome part after that you can walk through with things like peacocks, ducks, kangaroos and all sorts of random stuff. I think it's usually considered more of a destination for families with kids but animals are cool regardless of your age.

    http://www.lazy5ranch.com/
  • aaronlawrenc
    aaronlawrenc Posts: 666 Member
    I wish I knew some super cool places to stop through, but I can give you some healthy snack suggestions, so i'm good for somethin! Hehe.

    Lets see..

    Nuts
    Fruit--Apples, Bananas, Oranges, Plums, Tangerines, Kiwis, Grapes
    Pop Chips
    Snap Pea Crisps
    Energy Bars/granola bars
    Beef Jerky (just watch the sodium)
    Dry Cereal
    Cherry Tomatoes
    Edamame

    Also--can you guys take a small cooler with the ice packs?

    If so, you could do..

    Cheese sticks (string cheese or colby jack)
    Celery w/ peanut butter
    Carrots
    Lunch Meat
    Greek Yogurt

    Not much--but maybe it helps a little? Have a WONDERFUL honeymoon!! :)

    if i ever go anywhere, im taking you...js
  • capnrus789
    capnrus789 Posts: 2,736 Member
    Get a cheap styrofoam cooler, fill with ice every night. Bring peanut butter and jelly (chill the jelly). And a loaf of whole wheat breat. Cheap, easy, and you can make on the run very easily, just need some plastic knives.
  • MensEtSalvere2013
    MensEtSalvere2013 Posts: 230 Member
    If you end up going to Asheville, go to Tupelo Honey and Chelsea's Teahouse. They both have great salads. I must warn you though, Tupelo has great Southern biscuits and Jam :)
  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Posts: 923 Member
    If you are around Knoxville, make sure to go to the Science Museum it is fascinating. When we go on road trips, I like to stop at local fruit and vegetable stands to buy produce. I also take lean ham and bread in a cooler for sandwiches. We keep plenty of water chiled so we don't dehydrate in the dry atmosphere of the car.