Eating Out on a Road Trip

nmcguier
nmcguier Posts: 27 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
My husband and I are taking a mini vacation that involves a 10hr drive each way. While I have no delusions about the amount of calories I'm going to drink this weekend, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks to not completely blowing a diet on over a 4-day trip.

My current plan is to bring cold cut sandwiches for dinner while driving up there as well as some fruits/veggies for snacking in the car. On the way home though, we're going to have to stop to grab quick bites. And while we're at our destination, we have no access to a kitchen so all of our meals will have to be acquired premade. Any advice on what to order while out or on the road would be greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    I often get kids meals when I have to eat fast food. There is plenty of food still and they're a lot lower in calories, generally.

    Nutritionally they're not great but at least they don't kill my calories for the whole day.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    Search the online menus beforehand whenever possible to find foods that fit your calorie limits. A cooler is good for water, green tea, string or block cheese. Low sodium nuts, peanut butter, trail mix, cereal, and protein bars could be packed in a tote bag. I also ask for substitutions at restaurants (veggies, salads, and soups instead of fries, rice, etc.) All in all do the best you can and enjoy your trip. If you have a bad day so be it, you will adjust when you get back home.
  • Greenrun99
    Greenrun99 Posts: 2,065 Member
    its a 4 day trip....
  • bcdudley1
    bcdudley1 Posts: 26 Member
    I went on a trip to Vegas last month and indulged in the buffets they had there. I have no doubt that I was probably eating 4000 calories and up on a couple of those days. While I did gain about 5 pounds while I was on that trip, it all fell off within a couple of day after getting back once I resumed eating healthy and working out again.
  • ElanorS3
    ElanorS3 Posts: 3
    When you are somewhere that offers salads ALWAYS get the salads, and then bring apples, bananas, pears, berries, whatever wont go bad....and nuts! as long as you dont binge on the nuts they are good and can fill you up. Im a big fan of the "raw food approach" so an apple and a handful of nuts! and then just try to focus on the scenery and good music on the radio, etc! Have fun!
  • mschicagocubs
    mschicagocubs Posts: 774 Member
    Be cautious about salad dressings if choosing them.

    & most fast food places have nutrition menus so look it up beforehand.

    If you can't find the nutritional information, then go with your gut. Obviously a value fry will be better than a large. Grilled chicken over fried. Etc.

    It's a vacation so you might not want to care too much. Maybe try eating at maintenance, you won't lose, but you won't gain.
  • susannamarie
    susannamarie Posts: 2,148 Member
    I can't drive without munching. I get those 1lb bags of baby cut carrots so that I can munch munch munch munch without adding in a huuuuge amount of calories. I also find that bottles of ice water cut down on the 'omg ice cold soda in that there vending machine' urges. At least, they cut down long enough for me to get in the car and drive away from temptation.
  • popcorn2010
    popcorn2010 Posts: 9 Member
    I focus on a standard breakfast (oatmeal, just add water) and a salad lunch. Then I have enough calories to get a restaurant dinner in and not feel like I've blown everything. I agree - I'm a snacker. So anything from pre cut veggies and fruit to pre-portioned snack baggies so you know how much you're eating each time. Good luck and most of all, have fun!!
  • dt3312
    dt3312 Posts: 212 Member
    There are often delis at grocery stores now. When we travel, we sometimes get turkey breast for protein from the deli. Or buy some chicken pieces. Many grocery store delis now have roast chicken pieces in addition to the usual deep fried. There are salads in the deli. There are pre-packaged green salads. You can buy packages of 6 hard boiled eggs sometimes in the egg section.

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