There’s a reason this tip uses the word ‘resist’ instead of the normal ‘avoid’. It may seem subtle to most, but sometimes you just can’t avoid fast food joints while on your travels. Most of us are familiar with the human weakness to not always resist that which we know is not best for us, so I use the term ‘resist’ to acknowledge we are all human and sometimes really salty french fries are exactly what you need!!
There have been a number of studies out describing reasons why we should resist fast food temptation. Without beating the horse too much, the long term health concerns are reason number one to not eat the cheapest food you can find. There’s a reason the food is so cheap and the trade off is in quality/nutrition.
But, we are human. So if you’ve come to the end of your rope, if you just want to stay on the road and don’t have the time to stop and if you’ve already tried all the ideas on eHow’s site entitled How To Avoid Fast Food On A Roadtrip (does not apply to flights, cruises, trains, etc…), I’d like to point you to some resources to check out before your next trip. There are a number of sites that have pointers for eating a bit healthier when stopping at a fast food chain. Some look at the quality of the food, the method of cooking or the number of calories.
-
Patient Education | Healthier Fast Food
-
Healthy Fast Food: Guide to Healthy Choices at Fast Food Restaurants
-
Healthy Fast Food and Takeout | Everyday Meal Planning
-
Healthy choices from fast food and family restaurants – TODAY
-
How to Buy Healthy Fast Food | eHow.com
-
Fast Food Items Highest In Trans Fat – The 88 least healthy foods
-
Healthy fast food? Yes, there is a way to eat right
With those resources in hand, give yourself a break the next time you’re already stressed out and far from home. Swing into the fast food joint only as a last resort and pick something mildly healthy off the menu. Most fast food places are trying to make some improvements to their menu so it won’t be the end of the world. Just try to resist as long as you can.
Which leads us directly into tomorrow’s Healthy Family Travel Tips #13 – Plan Sit Down Dinners
Subscribe here to receive future Healthy Family Travel Tips updates!
I’m really enjoying these family travel tips. They are definitely helping me plan for my Spain trip with my husband and 4 year old son in April. It’s always nice to have a game plan. This post sparked my meal planning ideas so that I can bring some wholesome foods since my son has food allergies.
Great site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks on your sweat!