Road trips can be fun, but when you’re trying to lose weight and eat healthy, they can be fraught with challenges. After all, with no kitchen in sight, you’re limited to eating foods that are portable, quick, make little mess, and require no cooking on your part. For many people, the easiest way to fulfill these requirements is by buying junk food and fast food along the way. However, it is possible to eat healthy on the road with a little careful planning and sound decision-making.

Think Ahead

Your diet might be the last thing on your mind while you’re rushing to get ready, so it should go on your to-do list along with packing and other tasks. Plan to go shopping beforehand for healthy foods that won’t perish quickly and are easy to eat on the go. You can give yourself even more options if you have a small cooler to bring. Foods like low-fat yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, pre-cut fruit and veggies, and healthy sandwiches all provide good nutrition and will keep you satisfied. This can go a long way toward helping you resist temptation.

Make the Healthiest Choices

It’s unrealistic to expect that you won’t eat out at all during your trip, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. However, you can still enjoy a meal at a restaurant without feeling guilty afterward. Steer clear of items that are fried, breaded, doused in rich sauces, or smeared in butter. Instead, go for those that are baked, boiled, roasted, or grilled. When choosing side dishes, ask for steamed vegetables or a salad with dressing on the side. If you order drinks, opt for unsweetened iced tea, milk, or water instead of soda. Should you decide to have alcohol, wine is considerably lower in calories than beer, hard liquor, or fruity cocktails.

Just Say No

If you find yourself staying in a hotel during your road trip, say no to the mini-bar key if one is offered. By making use of it, all you’ll do is pay a premium for a ton of empty calories. The same goes for the vending machines found in most hotels. While they’re full of tempting things, none of them are good for you. If you think you’ll get hungry, find out if there’s a grocery store nearby. This will offer you a much wider array of healthy options to satisfy your appetite.

Adhering to a healthy diet can be difficult, especially while traveling. However, by considering these simple tips, you’ll make yourself far less likely to choose the wrong things.