After weight loss surgery, getting the right nutrition is vitally important to your health, but doing that when you’re traveling means you’ll need to plan ahead before you jump in the car for that weekend road trip, vacation or football game.
We all know that fast-food restaurants and convenience stores aren’t likely to have the kind of nutrition we need. And my patients know all too well how I feel about skipping meals.
So, what do you do? Here are a few tips I’ve pulled together to help you eat well while you travel.
- Pack a cooler with bottled water, chopped vegetables, fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products and deli-sliced meats. Bring along some whole grain bread and trail mix, and you’ll have the ingredients for a nutritious meal.
- Bring along utensils that will make meal times more manageable. A paring knife, can opener, cutting board, plastic utensils, salt and pepper packets, baby wipes, paper plates and paper towels will make rest stops meal easy to make and enjoy.
- Don’t eat in the car. Park. Relax. Stretch your legs. Enjoy your meal (and the fresh air). You’ll eat more slowly and pay better attention to your hunger/fullness cues.
- While you’re out of the car, take time to take a brisk walk. It’ll give you energy, increase your circulation, improve your digestion and ensure you get the activity you need.
One more thing: Avoid caffeine. The crash that comes when the caffeine wears off is not worth the temporary satisfaction you get from indulging. Instead, freeze bottles of water the night before your trip and let them thaw while you drive. You’ll always have water to drink, which will keep you from snacking and ensure you’re hydrated.