Have a question for our experts? This line is open until Friday, October 29th. Eileen will then answer a few questions and we’ll post her answers right here and on the forums.
Q: Is there a way to eat healthy on roadtrips?
A: The best way to tackle a road trip is to make a plan. Think about when you are leaving and where you are going. When will you be on the road? If you are traveling during meal times, what are your options. For flying, you might want to take the meal with you (you can get through security with solid food but not with liquids). If driving, think about your options. There are now phone apps that help you find restaurants near the roads you are driving. If you want to eat healthy on the road, plan to eat a meal every 4-5 hours. If meals need to be spread apart more than that, plan for a snack. Getting to your food destination starving is asking for trouble as you will be more likely to make impulsive choices. For snacks, carry fruit and cheese sticks or a energy bar that contains mostly natural ingredients. Check the label to make sure it has at least 5 grams of protein in it. Protein helps you feel fuller longer while the carbs help energy you. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated especially when flying. Also, use this eating out guide to help you eat smart on the road:
- Choose balance. Eating foods with moderate protein (meat or meat substitute), carbohydrate (rice, potato, pasta) and fat (oil, butter, dressing) is best for satisfying and nourishing you.
- Split a meal with a colleague.
- Ask for sauces on the side.
- Think about “what’s most special.’ If its fried chicken, fine. Choose a baked potato and steamed broccoli to go with it instead of having a full fried plate.
- Ask for a small side salad with a small portion entrée. The extra
volume of food can help satisfy you physically and psychologically.
Q: I know that sometimes a salad can contain as many or more calories than a cheeseburger. How do I know what to eat when I’m out?
A: Eating out can be a challenge. The biggest challenge is the portion size of the restaurant meals, many times double what you would eat at home. There are many options for eating out and yet salad entrees are usually not one I recommend. Here are some ideas:
- Choose balance. Eating foods with moderate protein (meat or meat substitute, dairy, beans), carbohydrate (rice, potato, pasta, fruit, vegetable) and fat (oil, butter, dressing) is best for satisfying and nourishing you.
- Ask for a “to go” box and empty half of your plate into it before you even start your meal. OR, split a meal.
- Don’t restrict all day anticipating eating out. You will get to the meal too hungry and likely make less healthy choices and eat more than you planned.