Fueling a Healthy Vacation

08.01.2012 / Blog Posts Health and Wellness

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Jane Jakubczak MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN; Team Dietitian

Although our beloved Redskins Players are finishing up their vacations and heading back to work this week, many Washingtonians are packing their bags for their summer get-away.

Vacation time does not need to sabotage all the hard work you have done this summer eating a healthy diet and improving your fitness level. Following my dietary "3 P's" will have you returning from your summer get-away rested, relaxed and as fit as when you left, ready to cheer on our Redskins this fall!

The Dietary 3 P's

1. Plan
2. Prepare
3. Pack

Planning: Take a few minutes to review your vacation agenda;

• Time spent in the car or plane/train
• The facilities available at your vacation spot (kitchen, refrigerator, etc.),
• Activities planned, etc.

Then decide which times you can make meal/snacks yourself and which you will need to eat in restaurants. Tip for eating at restaurants: research local restaurants before you leave. It's easier to choose healthy options in advance verses when the whole family is tired and hungry.

Preparing: Shop for foods and beverages, plastic utensils/napkins/plates, ice packs, insulated bags, cooler etc.

Packing: Pack beverages and snacks so they are easy to grab and meal components in a way that will be quick and easy (i.e. prepare sandwiches in advance).
Make sure all perishable items are packed with ice or ice packs.

The following is a list of items that are portable, "minimum-mess" and nutritious!
• Peanut butter/nut butters
• String cheese
• Yogurts
• Trail mix: almonds + walnuts + sunflower seeds + dried cranberries/raisins + Cheerios/Granola + M&M's
• Whole grain crackers
• Pretzels
• Check Mix
• Sun Chips
• Grapes
• Apples
• Plums
• Pears
• Bananas
• Raisins or other dried fruit
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Baby carrots
• Cherry tomatoes

Click here to learn more ideas and tips on how to pack snacks for the road.

We'd love to hear how WOW members travel healthfully, please share in the comment section below.

Have a safe and healthy vacation!

Jane