What NOT to Eat on a Road Trip

Does heading out the door on a road trip ever sound daunting when trying to lose weight? Sitting all day in the car? What are you going to eat along the way? It's interesting to me how many times "naughty" options are available along one freeway. Take a look at just a few pictures I captured yesterday.

Kinda scary huh? I realize most of these food establishments might offer a "light" menu or even a salad as an option, but my advice is to steer clear regardless. I've never really been a grease eater but I know plenty of people who are. They try to be healthy by ordering the salad and then order fries on the side! (bad idea)

Personally, I stick with two options on a road trip. (I only wish I would have figured this one out years ago.) Hit Subway or BMOF (bring my own food) . Subway is great not only because it's fresh and non-greasy but there are signs for Subway at virtually each passing food exit. In fact, my kids have spent hours counting Subway signs on extensive car trips. (I never realized how many are out there!) Not only that, my kids love Subway. If they had the choice, often times Subway would be picked instead of McDonald's or Burger King.

Today wasn't a Subway day for me as I had dinner in mind upon my arrival, so I stuck with BMOF.  

I think the key in being successful at this is planning ahead. So often before we head out the door on a trip, especially if we're planning to be gone more than a couple days, the idea is to clean out the fridge and get rid of things, right? Not having to worry about going to the store until returning? You're thinking......Oh, we'll stop and eat along the way.  I always try to keep a few things around to take and if I happen to be out, I'll hit the store. Today was some crackers, cheese sticks, nuts, and fresh fruit. YUM! 

Another thought: Isn't it interesting that one of the most common things to do on a road trip is eat? Yep, it's true. Why is that so? Because we're bored and/or have nothing else to do to pass the time except snack the time away. Try putting all your food in the trunk and forcing yourself to stop every couple hours along the way, get out stretch your legs for a few minutes, and grab a quick snack. Not only will you feel better but you'll be pacing your eating and not gorging, which is what happens all too often when traveling down the road.

One last thing I might mention about BMOF is that it's the cheaper option in most cases. For the amount you spend on one value menu at a fast food stop including the drink, you can buy several food items to take along the way. 

Now onto the reason I was on the road trip in the first place. Yep, it's that time. Time to Rock N Roll! Whether my feet are ready or not, tomorrow's the day I run my second half marathon. Here's a sneak peak.

(Click on the picture and it will give you a virtual tour)

Oh yes, and a picture of my dinner I was telling you about that awaited me upon arrival. Seattle + sushi = YUM!