I've been very fortunate this summer in terms of traveling. I just got back from Tennessee last night. It wasn't my ideal vacation (the beach is and always will be) but it was still lovely and nice to see a different part of the country. Everyone knows how it can be tough to maintain your healthy lifestyle while on vacation. Especially if you have dietary restrictions such as being gluten free or vegan.
I knew that it would be tough for me, so I went prepared. And I'm really glad that I did.
Snacks
Granola
The day before I left I made a batch of granola. I have always been a lover of granola of any sort. But making your own just seems to add that special touch to make it that much more addictive. This is great as a snack in the car. A little messy, but hey it happens! ;)
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are number two on my list of most addictive roadtrip snacks. I can never stop eating them! Cinnamon chickpeas are my favorite. This recipe will be coming soon, so keep your eyes open for it!
Bars
This is the absolutely most important snack. Any kind of bar will do, but I highly recommend KIND and Lara bars. I can't tell you how many times I was in the middle of the woods on a hike this past week and these bars came to my rescue. They're so convenient to just throw in your bag, purse, car, or pocket and have with you. You never know when or where hunger will strike and these fill you up.
Meals
Putting together meals while in the car on a 10 hour drive with limited places to stop can be tough. So this past week on my way to Tennessee I stopped by Starbuck's and got a green tea, then we stopped at a gas station and I picked up a KIND bar and a cup of fresh pineapple. Not my ideal meal, but it's better than those processed hot dogs and chicken sandwiches that they offer!
I'm an oatmeal lover, as I'm sure you already know. We had a cabin this past week and I just took oats and peanut butter with me. I bought some fruit at the local grocery store and each morning I created something different. Shown above is one of my favorites; oatmeal, peanut butter, granola, strawberries, and pineapple. I had this put together within 10 minutes and it fueled me for hiking each day.
Okay, I'll admit it; I have a Panera Bread obsession. Once I began my gluten free diet I knew that I had to still get my Panera fix. Shortly after that, they brought back the Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad. Absolute perfection. I always get it without the chicken of course, but there's nothing better than this salad on a hot summer day. Grabbing one of these for lunch or dinner is one decision that's impossible to regret. Trust me here.
Regardless of where you end up eating and what you end up eating on vacation, do one thing; make sure you enjoy it. Spend that time with the ones that you're on the trip with and appreciate it. My family went to a restaurant where there was literally no gluten free food and I couldn't get anything. I just got water and conversed with them while they ate. After we left I grabbed a granola bar from the car and ate some leftovers once we got back to our cabin. Remember that you're on vacation and it's meant to be a fun time spent with those who mean most to you. Don't let any food ruin that for you. It's simply not worth it.
Happy traveling :)