Traveling is expensive as it is. The last thing one wants to spend money on during a costly road trips is food. Not to mention the fact that many fast food options do not offer healthy meals, which can throw off a normal food cycle in just a few days. Here are some tips and tricks to saving money and eating healthy on road trips.

1). Pack snacks and meals. Instead of stopping every time someone in the car gets hungry, snack on healthy options. Some simple items to pack include granola bars and pieces of fruit; they can be easily thrown into a miniature cooler and do not make a big mess. Packed school lunches like sandwiches and wraps can also be a great option for an on-the-road meal.

2). Eat natural and organic snacks. Instead of grabbing a few bags of potato chips, take 20 minutes to make a more natural option. Pack foods that do not expire fast, that way they can be snacked on throughout the duration trip. For a healthy breakfast trail mix, check out this recipe on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AWr9jHxGkv42MNIcVzn-CBgoH3Xv2og4Dhe5j-01pHUzqFNnqrT-DKU/

3). Pack snacks filled with protein. Instead of snacking on carb-induced food or candy, which tend to be favored on road trips, pack food that will keep travelers filled up throughout the day. Some snack foods that have a lot of protein in them include nuts, oats and yogurt. According to Gimme Some Oven, protein balls are an easy snack that one can prepare days in advance. Here is the recipe for easy, no-bake protein balls:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ATPFCGUE7OKFlZ5H5BcoKJL9JB4Va-KCTAQe53OfvoI61m5bvlar9kU/

“I like almonds the best,” senior Lauren Bowers said. “I also like to bring juice boxes for something to drink.”

4). Plan where and when to stop for meals. Planning ahead can reduce the need to stop at the typical McDonald’s or Wendy’s. In addition, there are many fun restaurant options to try something out of the ordinary. Yelp is a great website to use to check up on restaurants in certain towns. It gives a rating of the restaurant, prices, reviews, and a menu.

“My favorite snack is apples and peanut butter,” senior Amy Reiser said. “It’s a great combo.”

For many Antioch students, staying healthy and avoiding fast food chains is important during all forms of travel. Apples and peanut butter are just one great example of a healthy alternative to a roadside food stop.