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Road Trip - what to eat?

sharleengc
sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I am driving from Montana to Seattle on Sunday and back a few days later. Approx 10 hours each way. I am going by myself so won't be stopping anywhere. I am taking snacks with me that I already am familiar with as far as calories go 1) to eat some in the car and 2) so I don't have to purchase any when I'm there when I have them at home.

My question is, I don't want to survive on just "snack food" on my drive. I will probably not eat before I leave just because I'm leaving about 4:30am and can't eat that early. At first I was thinking Subway but those can get messy and I definitely want to avoid fast food if possible.

Does anyone have suggestions for things that are low cal and easy to eat in the car that I can either make and take with me as a meal or stop and get? I will have small cooler but water will probably take up most of the room so space is very limited as far as taking cool things with...

Replies

  • dogwhisperette
    dogwhisperette Posts: 177 Member
    I just came back from a 18 hour car trip. I found veggies and fruit where refreshing and easy. The fruit does not need to be in a cooler so that will help with your issue on space. I had premade sandwiches which was great for a meal.
    Safe travels
  • TropicalKitty
    TropicalKitty Posts: 2,298 Member
    Nuts are awesome. Popcorn. Precut veggies. Apples, oranges, pears - those don't require a cooler.

    When I was younger we used to make our own sammiches. A few slices of deli meat wont take up much space in the cooler and the bread or wrap doesn't go in there.

    And for eating out on the road, I avoid drive through generally, and try to go to real places where I can have a better guess as to if the chicken is actually chicken (unlike fast food joints pumping the chicken full of junk). Then I just get it to go or eat quickly. hehe
  • Dabbles
    Dabbles Posts: 367
    http://choosetothrive.blogspot.com/2011/07/summer-road-trip-1-car-snacks.html

    These are some neat ideas for traveling. Ways to take a lot better snacks with you!
  • JeffGDDG
    JeffGDDG Posts: 252 Member
    Maybe a protein bar or two? Or take some powder and a shaker and stop for milk or juice to mix it with?
  • hypotrochoid
    hypotrochoid Posts: 842 Member
    Peanut butter sandwiches don't need a cooler. You could also do a pita pocket with a bit of hummus in it too or just stuff it with veggies.
  • TropicalKitty
    TropicalKitty Posts: 2,298 Member
    Maybe a protein bar or two? Or take some powder and a shaker and stop for milk or juice to mix it with?

    Yes, I agree! I can't believe I forgot about trusty protein bars and shakes. Although I have started to see them in gas stations more frequently.
  • CraftyGirl4
    CraftyGirl4 Posts: 571 Member
    Well, honestly, I would toss some of the water out of the cooler in order to make room for some fruits and veggies. Put one or two bottles of water in the cooler with some ice and when you take one out, put another one in. Then you can store some things that need to be kept cold or that you would just prefer cold (I think warm grapes are gross, for instance). You can take some protein bars too or buy some prepared shelf stable meals. I like the ones called Tasty Bite that are Asian/Indian inspired.
  • nuviag
    nuviag Posts: 131 Member
    We drive about once a month from Phoenix to Los Angeles, We take wraps, fruit and pop corn.
    it makes the drive quicker since we don’t stop for snacks or gas ( 1 tank gets us there )
    The wraps are easy to eat if you’re eating and driving.
  • skinniemama
    skinniemama Posts: 2
    I work for Chick-fil-A. We just came out (this week) with new Multi-Grain Oatmeal. not all of the oats are "pressed" so there is MUCH more nutritional value than instant oatmeal or that of other fast food places. It comes with toppings that you can add if you so choose or not. It's 120 calories plain and I think 280 when you add all 3 toppings. not too bad. Also the container fits in most vehicle cup holders. So if you will be passing by there, stop in and try that. Also we have fresh fruit cups that wouldn't take up much room in your cooler, yogurt parfaits, Simply Orange orange juice and other nutritional things. Just a thought....
  • atomdraco
    atomdraco Posts: 1,083 Member
    Is it possible to get a bigger cooler? :P Yeah, don't stuff all your water in, leave some room for food
  • stanvoodoo
    stanvoodoo Posts: 1,023 Member
    Skip the snacks, the above ideas are so much better, veggies, fruits, almonds and sandwiches and lots of water will be so much better for you!

    Snacks will make you even more thristy, tired when the carbs wear off, many are high in sodium too.

    Almonds and sandwiches or even just lunchmeat have protein for energy. Fruit has natural sugars and veggies are great for fiber and nutrition.

    Have a safe trip, turn the radio on loud!!!
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