Tips for a Healthy Summer Road Trip | The Prescription Shop


Summer is the season for travel and vacations, but that doesn’t mean that your healthy lifestyle has to go out the window! It’s true–you can have a fun trip and still stick to your goals. The Prescription Shop has plenty of tips to help make your next summer road trip the best one yet.

Think Outside the Greasy Burger.
It’s tempting to give in to unhealthy fast food meals and snacks because they seem fun and easy when you’re traveling. But there are lots of wonderful alternatives to a greasy burger and fries. First of all, stock the car with healthy snacks.

  • Make your own trail mix with nuts and dried fruit with no added sugar. Fill a snack sized bag with 1.5 ounces nuts and 2 Tablespoons of dried fruit like raisins or blueberries.

  • Prepare nut butter sandwiches using one slice of whole wheat bread and 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter.

  • Whole fruit like oranges, apples and bananas all travel well and provide a healthy burst of energy.

  • Other quick and healthy snacks include Individual cups of mandarin oranges in 100% juice, tuna pouches, individually wrapped Babybel cheese wheels, and natural beef jerky (watch the sodium).

  • If you pack a cooler, fill it with some of these top picks:

  • Hummus and pre-cut veggies.

  • Pre-cut fruit.

  • Single servings of light yogurt.

  • Cheese sticks.

  • Hard-boiled eggs.

If someone in your party is determined to stop at a restaurant, you can still make smart choices! Chains like Starbucks, Panera, Dos Bros, Taco Bell and even McDonald’s all offer some healthier options today. Sticking to healthier meals will help you enjoy a better trip too, since you won’t be so bloated or lethargic after dining. When selecting fast food:

  • Avoid anything fried.

  • Focus on veggies.

  • Watch out for hidden sugars.

Check out the nutritional information inside the restaurant, or look it up online to help you make better decisions.

Stay Hydrated.
Always pack water bottles in the car, and be mindful that you don’t over-indulge in caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, or energy drinks since they can all contribute to dehydration. Be sure to avoid any sugary beverages like soda, punch and lemonade. Even juice can pack too much sugar for one sitting, so try to stick to the best form of hydration–unsweetened water.

Where will your summer travels take you this season? Before you leave, be sure to stop by The Prescription Shop to refill any medicines, stock up on supplies and get any necessary immunizations. You can also visit our website to further explore our convenient services.