Road Trip

Having soda, chips, and candy in the car is a road–trip ritual for many. Eat smart on the road instead and arrive at your destination feeling great — not strung out on junk food.

Integrate these stay–healthy practices into your next highway adventure:

• Avoid eating in the car. If you’re truly hungry, stop for a snack or meal. Otherwise, you may be munching out of boredom — or excitement.
• Pack apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, and berries in a cooler for a sweet pick–me–up. Dried fruit is another good option, but watch the portion sizes.
• Vegetables with a light dip are great for on–the–go munching. Pack carrots, grape tomatoes, bell pepper strips, cucumber, and broccoli.
• Prepare sandwiches on whole–grain bread or rolls, and keep them in the cooler — so you’re not at the mercy of fast–food joints along your route.
• Keep snacks in the trunk. That way, you’ll have to stop in order to reach them.
• Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by stopping frequently to walk around — and staying well-hydrated. DVT is a life–threatening condition — and traveling for more than 1 hour is a risk factor. In between rest stops, passengers of all ages should point and flex their feet and rotate their ankles to promote good circulation.