First step to healthy travel is preparation, which requires some brainstorming and planning. We helped prepare a list of questions and answers for your upcoming travel plans.

What food items will be available during travel- whether it?s plane, train, or automobile? Always bring your own snacks at the onset of your trip. Getting started on the right foot will make it much easier to continue once you arrive at your destination. Consider bringing food as important as packing your clothes and other items. If you can, bring a small personal cooler just for your travel food and snacks. Stop at your favorite grocery deli bar on your way out of town for healthy pre-made meals/ snacks. Healthy chicken salad or turkey breast, grapes, grilled veggies, nuts, and baby carrots or pre- chopped broccoli will keep you balanced and full of energy. If a cooler isn't an option try making the French Meadow Quesadilla To Go. Be sure to pack a variety of nuts, veggies and fruit to maintain good blood sugars. In a pinch, even most fast food chains now offer salads with grilled chicken.
Will you have access to a grocery store and refrigeration? If so, aim to shop within the first days of arriving. Buy fruit, chopped veggies, natural deli meat, cottage cheese, canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and avocado. These all take little or no preparation, after all you?re on vacation! (Remember, pick up some plastic utensils along the way or bring them from home.)

What types of breakfasts will be available? Choose eggs and veggies (omelet) whenever possible with fruit or a sliced tomato. If you are staying in a hotel, be sure to keep some fruit (apples, oranges), nuts and tea bags in your room. This way in the morning you can stabilize your blood sugar without resorting to muffins or empty carbohydrates.
What types of lunches will be available? Whenever possible, choose a salad with fish, chicken or steak, and regular dressing. Depending on where you are going, you may find regional foods which are more readily available. Think about eating foods that will continue to maintain your bathing suit figure, like lean meats, veggies and a little healthy fat like nuts or olive oil dressing..
What types of dinners will be available? Select a piece of fish or meat and steamed, grilled, baked, broiled or lightly stir-fried veggies. Brown rice or a sweet potato is preferable to pasta, white rice, or a white potato.

And in-between meals, healthy snacks will help to prevent low blood sugar cravings, which will lead to poor meal decisions! Bring nuts, fruit, and healthy protein bars and put them in your purse, car or backpack. You will be glad you did!

Traveling allows you the leisure time to think about and actualize a healthy lifestyle. With a little forethought and conviction you can extend the good habits you began at home and not feel guilty about ?letting yourself go,? and have to start over upon your return. Here?s to wonderful and healthful summer traveling!

Lynn Gordon, owner of French Meadow Bakery and Cafe, is always on the go traveling across the country and sometimes the world. Here's the recipe she put together for a well balanced, nutritious snack that travels well.