Guest Post: Eating Healthy on the Road When Traveling During the Winter Months

Photo Credit: thesafetyreport.com

Sharee and I thought this would be appropriate since we will both be getting our flu shots on Thursday, October 31 at a local facility. In addition to the flu shot, start eating the superfoods listed below as the Winter and Holiday season comes upon us. 

Rhonda W & Sharee W.

Guest post by Tammy Mahan.

If there are two things we all want to avoid during the winter months it has to be extra weight gain and the flu. While you are traveling to visit family and friends for the holidays it is important to eat healthy on the road especially during the winter months when the flu is running amuck. 

You should incorporate some super foods into your daily diet they are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will give your immune system a daily boost. Let us look at some super foods you could bring along with you while traveling during the winter months.

Blueberries.
Photo Credit: health.usnews.com

●    Blueberries (if you have to get frozen ones be sure to defrost them before you set out and drain them so they will not be messy and turn your fingers blue.) A half a cup a day is ideal for this superfood.

●    Chocolate (yes, that delicious chocolate bar – especially dark chocolate is a superfood and will help keep you healthy.) 

●    Fresh raw broccoli (this wonderful vegetable eaten raw will do wonders for your immune system even if you chose to dip it in a little dip to add some flavor if it is not your favorite vegetable.)

●    Protein bars serve two purpose not only does it provide protein and fill you up they are a great food to keep in your car/truck. Winter weather can be unpredictable and if you happened to get stuck in a hotel overnight without a restaurant or on the side of the road you will have something to eat. They are small and come in several flavors they last a long time and can be easily stored anywhere in your vehicle.

●    Garlic is another favorite when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding the flu bug that is making its rounds. Now, I understand very few people enjoy eating a fresh garlic clove although, I do know a few people who do and eat it for specific ailments and swear by the all mighty clove of garlic! Bring some fresh minced garlic with you while traveling and you can add it to a salad or a sandwich when eating out. It adds a nice flavor to the food. 

Peanut Butter from Trader Joe's
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Peanut butter and crackers and not the kind you buy pre-made, I am talking about the kind you make yourself with a jar of peanut butter, box of crackers and a plastic knife. Peanut butter is very good for you and filling.  

Tips for Dining Out While on the Road

●    Skip the fast food restaurants unless you are looking for a salad or a nice warm bowl of soup.

●    If you stop at a little dinner – skip the greasy burger and fries and go with a meal – meat, potatoes, and a vegetable.

●    If you stop at a big chain restaurant, try and get some fish, it is rich in omega 3s that will help keep your immune system happy and virus free.

When traveling with children be sure to bring plenty of fresh veggies and fruits. If you have a cooler toss in some 100% juice boxes or bottles, protein bars, and foods that are low in sugar and fats. Skip the chips and go for crackers.

Maintaining your health while traveling during the winter months doesn’t have to be difficult. Practice these examples and plan ahead to keep from packing on extra pounds and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Tammy Mahan has been a nurse for 20 years. She enjoys writing health articles and often shares them with Healthline.Com.