How to eat healthy on your summer holiday

This story was originally titled "Healthy Vacation Dining" in the August 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Getting good, nutritious meals while on vacation is not always easy – but not impossible. This summer, when travelling to the cottage, campsite or beach, or on a long road trip, remember that simple is always better. Here are some tips for healthy and safe eating away from home.

In the car
Car trips are a popular summer pastime for many Canadian families. But even though meals on the road may not be on schedule and may require more planning and ingenuity than home-cooked meals, you don't have to sacrifice your health.

To avoid falling into the fast-food trap, keep healthy drinks and snacks in the car. Kid-favourite treats that travel well include pretzels, bagels, apples, bananas, baby carrots, granola bars and trail mix with nuts and raisins (or any dried fruit). Keep a stocked cooler with lots of ice packs inside your car. You can haul out the cooler at a rest stop or park, which typically have picnic areas. It's an opportunity to stretch your legs – a good idea to prevent blood clots. If you're on a long trip, you may still have to stop at a restaurant for a full meal. The trick is to stick to salads and grilled (not fried) items. If burgers and hot dogs are the only items on the menu, avoid sauces and mayos that add extra calories. And ask for the salad dressing on the side.

Living on the road and mostly out of a cooler – even one stocked with healthy choices – doesn't mean you won't develop a sweet tooth. Go ahead and indulge but limit yourself to – at most – one junk food purchase a day, and steer clear of trans fats. Look at the label and make sure your choice has zero grams of trans fats.

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