FitSugar

Do You Pack Healthy Snacks For Your Road Trips?

Leta Shy — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:44:05 PDT

It's finally here - the weekend where you pack up, suit up, or eat up to celebrate the start of warmer weather. For many, that also means packing up the car and heading somewhere to celebrate Memorial Day.

Staying healthy on vacation, no matter how short, can be difficult, especially when you're on the road. It's so easy to pull over and grab fast food or gas station fare instead of searching out healthier options, and sometimes packing your own snacks can take too much time to prepare.

If you're taking a road trip this weekend, will you be bringing healthier options with you, or will you be stopping for fast food? (If you need quick snack ideas, then check out these 150-calorie travel snack packs you can make fast!)

Save Money on Gas With These Apps, Sites, and Tips

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:57:30 PST

I got a bit of sticker shock recently as I drove into my local gas station to find that prices have risen above $4 a gallon. Thankfully I don't drive often (public transportation FTW!), but at those prices, it's enough to make a girl want to throw down for an expensive (but cost-saving) electric-hybrid car. You may not have the bankroll to change up your ride now, but in the meantime, check out these websites, apps, and tips to help you save at the pump.

How to Take a Road Trip If You're . . .

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:00:00 PDT

I can't believe it's already August, but that doesn't mean it's too late to plan a last-minute road trip: the quintessential Summer adventure. Make sure you check out these tips before you pack up, put the top down, and hit the open road. Here's how to take a road trip if you're . . .

With Your Best Friend: There's nothing better than blasting music and dancing in the car with your best friend. If you're taking a trip with your wingwoman, try to unwind from your normal schedule and see where the road takes you. On this road trip make it all about the journey, not just the destination. Be silly, sing loud, and surprise yourself. And if anything happens, you have your trusty bestie by your side!
With Your Boyfriend or Husband: If you haven't road tripped together before, this could prove to be quite the experience. Make the most of the time you have together and do something special for your man. Before the trip research a few stops that you know he'll love to surprise him on the way. Is he a sports freak? Take him to a baseball game or a hall of fame. A foodie? Research some stops from Man vs. Food Nation or Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. He's sure to appreciate the time you took for him. Plus, he'll probably be more up for doing things you're into on the trip and on the way home.
With a Big Crew: Whether you're all visiting old friends or you're on your way to an end-of-Summer music festival, the best advice I can give you is to move as fast, but as safely, as possible. Chances are, this trip is about the destination, not just the ride. Be prepared, bring your iPod if you want to snooze and get out of the convo, and no matter what, be sure to keep your cool and not bring up anything too controversial. The last thing you want to be is stressed or frazzled when you arrive at your destination. And remember, you'll be taking the trek home with the same people.
With Your Kids: Take the constant "are we there yet?" out of the equation and be sure to come prepared with ample games and delicious snacks. A great way to involve everyone is to include the kids in planning the itinerary. If you're not looking to take requests, have a few roadside attractions or activities on a list and have everyone pick something they'd like to see happen on the road.
With Your Mom or Dad: Spending this much time with a close family member may sound a little overwhelming, but it can be an enlightening experience. The open road seems full of possibility and without fail, it gets people to open up and start talking candidly. A road trip is a great opportunity to connect with someone you love. Get your mom or dad talking and really listen. You're sure to learn something you didn't know before.

Free iPhone Apps to Use on Your Weekend Road Trip

GeekSugar — Sun, 29 May 2011 03:11:24 PDT

I'm heading on a road trip south to LA this weekend, so it's time to stock my phone with must-have apps for my time on the road. Here, four can't-miss and free apps to help you out on any road trip - food, fuel, traffic, and tunes, we have you covered!
Please remember to drive safely - no app using while behind the wheel!

5 Apps For Your Holiday Road Trip

Leta Shy — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:47:59 PST

This Thanksgiving, I'll be packing up my car and driving a few hours down the California coast to see my family. I'll have all the gadgets needed to keep me entertained on the road, but I've made sure to download some useful apps to help make my journey as easy and on track as possible. Click through to check out some great apps for your iPhone or Android to have while you're braving the holiday rush on the road!

Source: Flickr User Nicholas_T

Holiday Survival Guide: Healthy Road Trip Snacks

Leta Shy — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:30:18 PST

Between reunions with old friends and gatherings with the extended family, Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season can mean a lot of miles logged in the family car. Road trips can be a fun way to bond with your family and see some sights while on the way to your destination, but they can also disrupt a healthy routine. Before you fall into a greasy fast food rut while you're on the road, take a few minutes before you leave to prepare delicious snacks that will not only be healthy but are also easy to deal with while you're eating on the go.

Celery sticks. Celery does double duty by filling you up while helping you stay hydrated during the long hours in the car.
Homemade trail mix. It's easy to make your own trail mix - not to mention healthier than the store-bought stuff - and it'll help keep you full and energized on the road. Make sure to buy unsalted peanuts and dried fruit without added sugar, and try one of these healthy homemade trail mix combos.
Multigrain crackers. If you're craving carbs, keep some multigrain, or better yet wholegrain, crackers in your snack supply, but divide into serving-sized baggies beforehand so you don't keep reaching for more. I particularly like Wasa crackers and Finn Crisps.
String cheese. Enjoy cheese in moderation and get some of your daily dose of calcium with one of these travel-friendly snacks.
Finger sandwiches. For something more sustainable, make some easy sandwiches with hummus and cucumber and cut into fours for a filling snack or a full-on meal.
Fruit. Sliced apples or pears, bananas, and other fruits are easy to throw into your car cooler and are also an excellent source of fiber, something that becomes more important as holiday travels begin to wreak havoc on your body.

What healthy snacks do you take with you on a trip?

Source: Flickr User Nicholas_T

What Are Your Summer Vacation Plans?

SavvySugar — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:45:00 PDT

I don’t know about you, but the sunshine and longer days already have me daydreaming about a Summer vacation. I tend to prefer road trips over air travel for my warm-weather getaways; they’re more affordable, and I love being on my own schedule, sipping Icees, and blasting tunes. And it sounds like I may be in luck: analysts are predicting that gas prices won’t climb any higher than $3 a gallon this Summer.

I’m thinking a week in June, driving up the coast to a beach town, or maybe even wine country. Have you started making any Summer vacation plans yet? If so, share your savvy travel plans with us!

Do You Avoid Eating Out Like Carrie Underwood Does?

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:30:17 PDT

While eating out may be the easy thing to do when traveling, Carrie Underwood tells Us Weekly that she avoids the lure of fast food whenever she's away from home. On tour food: "It's fast food, there's aftershow food, you get pizza, whatever. I don't do that. I don't eat out ever." In order to avoid the lure of fast food, Carrie says she keeps plenty of healthy foods on hand, and that her tour bus fridge is always stocked with good-for-her options.

The country pop star does give herself a little bit of a break by trying out a new restaurant every once in awhile. "It's all about making a conscious effort. I don't do anything crazy, but I definitely try to take care of myself."

I'm honestly surprised that Carrie is able to stick to such a rigid diet while on the road. Some celebs, like Gwyneth Paltrow make a point to sample regional fare when away from home. Heck, I even do it myself. What are you like when you're on the road - do you have an all-or-nothing approach like Carrie does?

Drink Up: Bring Your Own Water Along For the Ride

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:26 PDT

When traveling with a pooch - bring water. Not everyone normally treats a pet to purified beverages, but you can reuse old water bottles by filling with your home's tap water before you go. That way your pooch willl have the same drinking water he's used to, an especially helpful step for sensitive tummies. As a bonus before long car rides, I also freeze a bottle and place it near North so he can lick the condensation while in his carrier - it adds baby sips without increasing the necessary potty breaks along the way.

Let Dogs Take a Backseat

PetSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:27 PDT

Road trip! If you're hitting the mean streets for a trip this (long) weekend, don't forget a safe spot for your pet. As cute as it is to have him ride shotgun, or in your lap, I don't recommend it.
If the airbags deploy, the force can kill or seriously hurt a pooch in a minor accident that would have barely roughed him up otherwise. While it's possible to disable passenger side bags on many cars, I put North's fab carseat in the back diagonally from the driver's seat. This means I can keep an eye on him from the rearview mirror and glance back at him more easily at red lights than if he was directly behind me. Happy trails to you, too!

Source: Flickr User ByJane