For most families, RV camping just would not be the same without roasting hot dogs over the campfire and enjoying hamburgers fresh from the grill. Plus, when feeding a family while on the road, the convenience of a fast food drive-thru right off the freeway is sometimes pretty difficult to pass up. Packaged foods that are easy to grab for snacks or toss in the microwave for quick meals are also pretty enticing when planning road trip menus. All of this can make eating healthy on the road a challenge, particularly when you might also be dealing with young, picky eaters that do not consider carrot sticks a tasty option for an afternoon snack.
If you are traveling with your children or grandchildren, there are simple ways you can encourage healthy eating without introducing them to a completely different diet or needing to learn complicated new recipes. With most of the simple tips listed below, the kids will most likely not even notice the difference between their favorites and these healthier substitutes.
Here are 10 easy things you can do to make their – and your – diet healthier while on the road:
1. Switch to all-natural, whole grain breads and buns for toast, sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers.
2. Stock your RV’s fridge with rice or soy milk to use with cereal. You can even get vanilla-flavored versions to make them more appealing.
3. Serve all-natural, whole grain cereals, snack bars and fruit bars. Many options you can find in the health food section closely resemble conventional options in texture and flavor.
4. Make your own peanut butter, or buy fresh peanut butter that you grind yourself in the bulk section of your local health food store. Making peanut butter is easy and requires nothing more than peanuts and a good blender. Avoid added sugar and unnecessary ingredients by choosing this option for sandwiches and celery sticks.
5. Skip the peanuts completely, and opt for almond butter or soy nut butter as healthier options.
6. Grill turkey burgers or veggie burgers to cut down on your family’s consumption of red meat. If you cannot go without beef, choose grass-fed, organic beef products.
7. Switch to veggie hot dogs or organic turkey hot dogs for roasting over the campfire.
8. Reduce your family’s exposure to chemicals by purchasing organic produce and other foods whenever possible.
9. Pasta is perfect for quick, convenient family meals. Make yours healthier by choosing whole grain pastas and sneaking extra vegetables into the sauce.
10. Instead of packaged, store-bought cookies and cakes, bake healthier options to bring with you before heading out on the road.
These simple substitutes can help your children or grandchildren eat healthy on the road while still enjoying family favorites and upholding family traditions. You can still roast hot dogs while telling stories around the campfire and have quick snacks on hand for days packed with sightseeing or outdoor adventures. By simply making a few easy changes in your menu plan and pre-trip grocery shopping, you can ensure that your family fills up on healthier foods on your next RV vacation.
Leave a Reply