Finding Healthy Food During a Road Trip

You really can find healthy food during a road trip. Road trips don't have to be synonymous with fast food and greasy diner fare.

You can eat surprisingly well by staying away from restaurants and hitting grocery stores instead. Sure, it takes a little more effort to wander the aisles of a grocery store. But that gives you time to stretch your legs and get a sense of the local culture.

And don’t assume that the healthy foods you find won’t be car-friendly. Some of the healthiest choices are also portable and convenient.

Here’s what to look for:

Bars. Food in bar form can deliver a surprising amount of nutrients at a reasonable cost. And unlike their chalky, over-processed ancestors, many of today’s nutrition bars actually taste great. Look for Balance Bar, Clif Bar, Luna Bar, and others. Compare the labels to see which ones will load you with protein and which ones contain the most vitamins. Buy a few flavors, identify your favorites, and you’ll have found a reliable meal option for the rest of your trip. Just be sure you don’t leave your bars in a hot car for too long – they’re often coated in chocolate and they do make a terrible mess when they melt.

Nuts. Can you think of anything tastier than roasted, salted cashews? Get your protein and healthy fats in a bag of nuts. You’ll see these hanging around in most gas station convenience stores, as well as grocery stores. They’re usually cheap and make a great snack.

Fruit. If you’re really serious about finding healthy food during a road trip, you won’t skip the produce section. Fruit makes good road trip food because you can buy just one piece or a whole bag. Of course, some fruits are more conducive to travel than others. Bananas are great – the peel protects them until you eat them, and there’s no mess. If you can spare a little water to wash the fruit, or don’t mind a little dirt, try grapes, cherries, or berries, which make great finger food.

See? It’s not that hard to find healthy food during a road trip. You just have to know where to look.