On the go and in the car....A lot!

Almost every place has a healthier option than the regular. Chicken sandwich instead of burger, yogurt instead of fries, water instead of soda, salads instead of . . . well anything :-) If you can't bring something then just look for the healthiest thing they have and have that. and / or only eating part of it will help reduce the calories too.

Subs! There seem to be sub places everywhere near where I live, I imagine it's similar everywhere. A small veggie sub, on whole wheat, with tons of toppings, and light mayo, is only 400cals or so. For a whole meal I think that's great!

400 for a small? Crazy! Subway 6 inch is 240 for a ham sub with lots of veggies. I vouch for the small cooler idea #1, Subway is only by necessity if you forgot something. The sodium level is very, very high.

Yes, I used to always think of car trips as a ticket to all the junk foods! Fast food, candy, soda.. probably didn't let very many minutes pass without putting something in my mouth! :embarassed:

So, yes, planning ahead and packing some healthy snacks would be key. If you love to snack in the car: fruit, nuts, cheese sticks, 100 calorie microwave popcorn bags (you could pop them at rest stops), drink lots of water.... if you HAVE to buy food on the go, just make the best choices you can like mentioned before. Grilled chicken sandwiches (not fried), reduce fat and calories by holding the mayo and or cheese on the sandwich. I've read that Wendy's small chili is a good, protein packed item. You could eat it with half of one of their baked potatoes. Pass on french fries, onion rings, etc... if you need to snack with your sandwich and didn't bring anything with you, some places, (like Subway) offere baked chips. Try to get some fresh fruits and veggies on the road when you can. Keep drinking lots of water to stay hydrated and flush out any extra sodium you might intake from the fast foods you've picked up.

Might be handy to keep a few good protein bars with you too. I would avoid the higher calorie "energy" bars like Cliff, etc since you aren't really going to be active. I like Detour low sugar bars and Pure Protein bars.

Edit to add...... even if you can't pack ahead of time, you can always run into a grocery store to pay an individual cup of greek yogurt and some fresh fruit!

I have one of those insulated cooler bags (travel size, not huge) that I keep in the car at all times. As I run out the door, I'll grab my water (w/ 2 extras just in case), some fruit that is always now on stock in my fridge and either one of my meal replacements bars or shakes .. just in case I am out during a meal time. Proud to say I haven't had a fast food take out in weeks.

How about keeping a small container of low fat peanut butter and a box of your favorite brand of gluten free table crackers in your car?