Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you have to throw out healthful eating habits. Whether you're heading to the nearest beach or taking a road trip to the mountains, here are few tips to keep you healthy and happy on your adventure.
Eat Right
Treat yourself with healthy, on-the-go snacks, such as vegetables, whole-grain crackers, trail mix or raw or dry-roasted nuts. Fresh fruit including bananas, apples and pears, or even boxed raisins, are also convenient snacks.
Keep Cool
If you travel with perishable foods, be sure to properly pack a cooler with plenty of ice. The cooler must be kept at 40°F or cooler, so put a refrigerator thermometer in the cooler to check the temperature and refresh ice as needed. To help keep the cooler cold on hot days, travel with it in the car rather than the over-heated trunk, and store it in shade if possible.
Fire Up the Grill
If grilling, toss veggie kabobs or Portobello burgers on the grill for a healthy and colorful alternative. And when grilling meat, remember to take a few precautions to reduce your risk of food poisoning.
- Don't allow frozen meat to thaw in the sun. Defrosting in a refrigerator or microwave are the only safe options.
- Keep ready-to-eat foods separate from raw meat and poultry by using separate plates and utensils.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure meat has reached a safe minimum internal temperature (ground meat 160°F; steaks 145°F and chicken 165°F, and let rest for 3 minutes).
Lastly, HYDRATE, HYDRATE , HYDRATE!!!!!Drink plenty of water throughout the day. For a flavorful, fresh twist, add strawberries and lemon or blueberries and lime to iced water.
