By Orlando Ramos

By Orlando Ramos 

As the spring rolls into summer, we are ready to hit the road again. Food on the road can be a dangerous thing for the weak. Most highways and freeways offer fast foods, microwave items, junk food galore and lets not forget the endless choices of soft drinks! Not to mention, eating junk food for a couple of days can leave you feeling fatigued and grouchy, as well as give you a stomach ache. With a bit of planning and willpower, you can steer your way around the junk food and maintain your healthy lifestyle while on a long road trip.

If you have a planned route, do a bit of research to see what sites and locations may be of interest to you. Also what great places there are to eat along the way. You may even want to call ahead to a property and ask a local what's good in the neighborhood.

Take the time to plan out your meals and food options. To pack a cooler for a 2 or 3 day trip should be well thought out is easy. An assortment of healthy snacks, such as fresh and dried fruit and good quality cold cuts and whole grain bread is recommended. It is obviously important to drink lots of water and keep plenty of ice in the cooler to avoid food spoilage. A simple effort on your part can save you time, money, as well as a bit on your waistline. You'll feel better, healthier, more active, and enjoy yourself more. If you are eating breakfast at a restaurant or a continental breakfast, avoid excess sugar. High carbohydrate meals may improve your mood for a short time, but lots of high fructose items can also make you sleepy. That's not good when your driving.

You should make time for brief stops every 2 hours or so. Having children on board is a greater challenge, but non the less still a pleasure. Organic single serve yogurt is a an easy item to keep in the cooler and usually are sealed and disposable. If time and location permits, make a few stops along road side produce stands. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables are a the ultimate food choice! Plus it will give you and yours a great opportunity to really take in the sights, smells and flavors that a region offers.

If you are staying in a hotel or motel for the night, make sure to evaluate your cooler and check to see that all items are sealed properly and that the ice replenished as needed.