Have a healthy holiday roadtrip!

As we approach another winter holiday season, if you’re one of the millions of Americans that have to travel a significant distance to visit family, you know how hard it is to maintain healthy eating and fitness habits. Everyone is in a hurry and convenience hardly yields healthy choices. This year, try to modify to hustle and bustle routine by following a few simple guidelines.

If you are flying:

1. Eat at home before you go to the airport (no matter how early that is). This will help you avoid eating packaged and fast food before you board your flight.
   
   
2. Stick to clean beverages - drink a good amount of water or order your coffee black. If you save yourself a few grams of sugar in your latte, you won’t feel as guilty if you plan on indulging in Grandma’s pumpkin pie.
   
   
3. Take the stairs. Part of sticking to healthy habits sometimes requires a little extra effort. Skip the moving walkway or escalator. The stairs are less congested anyway.
   
   
4. Give yourself plenty of time to get places. Airports are no fun and they’re even less fun during the holidays when everyone is in a hurry. Save yourself some stress by packing the day before and setting out items that will allow an easier departure from home. Less stress means you’re able to enjoy the holiday spirit instead of fighting with a first-time flyer who forgot to leave the pocket knife in their checked bag.
   

If you are driving:

1. Go to the grocery store the day before you leave and load up on healthy snack items. DON’T buy anything that comes in packaging. Find some produce you light and stop by the bulk food section to get some walnuts or almonds. These will sustain you longer anyhow and won’t make you feel lethargic when it’s your turn to drive.
   
2. Get out of the car every couple hours. Being cooped up in your vehicle is bad for your circulation. Plus, you should be drinking enough water that you have to make a rest stop at least that often.
   
3. Speaking of beverages, pick up some green tea or water or coffee for your trip. Don’t pack on empty calories with soda or other sugary “health” drinks.
   
4. Need a meal? Do a little research online. All fast food restaurants provide online menus with items and their calorie content. Skip the bread at Panera and get an apple. Don’t go to McDonald’s if you have a hard time saying no to the 2/$1 apple turnovers. Set yourself up for success and avoid obvious temptations.

Once you reach your destination, you will be feeling good about your trip and can more fully enjoy your mom’s fabulous home-cooking. But… don’t forget to take our family out for a walk after the big meal!

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