Summer Vacation: Healthy Snacking
Road trip or traveling by train, plane or boat?
How to stay healthy and maintain your healthy eating habits? This does not mean you have to follow everything perfectly, rather try to be mindful!
The nerves, the anxiousness can cause you to eat outside of what you would normally eat. To counteract that in the beginning start with some healthy snacks!
On the road or flying?
You can always carry an apple, a protein bar, or some veggies cut up in a ziploc baggie. This way if you start to get hungry you don’t have to rely on the gas station options or the options at the airport filled with chocolate, candy and/or fast food restaurants!
Distracted eating? Boredom eating?
Being distracted when you eat, including being distracted when you snack can lead you to overeat very easily! Try to take a few minutes to eat your snack without driving, texting, reading your book or anything else. This will help you receive the signal that you are full! Once full, your mind will think less about food, causing you to eat less out of boredom!
Smoothies or food?
Although smoothies can be great and quick to pick up, they will not keep you satisfied as long. Take in the extra liquid through water, but opt for food as a snack especially if it includes the right combination of carbs, protein and/or fat. With the right combo you’ll find yourself with more energy and a filled stomach till your next meal as opposed to a smoothie that can leave you even hungrier!
Chocolate bar or protein bar?
Both are easily accessible at a convenience store — but which one to choose? Or need help picking out the right one for your child? Make sure to read the nutrition label! As much as a protein bar sounds healthier, sometimes they contain the same amount of sugar as a chocolate bar! So learn to read labels and teach younger ones the importance of reading labels!
To help you stay mindful:
- Eat something every 2–3 hours
- Keep nutritious foods on hand and ready to eat
- Eat and enjoy your favorite foods in moderation
Enjoy your vacation!
