For many of us, trying to balance life, a workout regimen AND good eating habits is tough. Throwing in a business trip, or a quick family getaway, can easily break us from our healthy routines.
I frequently have to travel between San Antonio, Houston and Austin for business. One of the biggest challenges I face while on the road is avoiding the pitfalls in the snack aisles of the gas stations and convenience stores. Let’s face it-- it’s almost second nature to pick up a soda, candy bar, bag of chips or other unhealthy snack that neither satisfies our hunger nor provides any nutritional value. In fact, many of us think that’s all that gas stations carry!
“But c’mon,” you think. “Does it really matter if I splurge on chips and soda while I’m on the road?” Well, if you stop to consider the amount of sodium, saturated fats and calories that are in those snacks, coupled with the fact that you are sitting in a car for a long period of time, then yes, it does. In fact, it’s a recipe for disaster! You work so hard to eat well on the days you aren’t traveling, why blow it while you’re cruising down Interstate 10?
During my last couple of trips, I made a point to stop at several gas stations and see what they REALLY had to offer! Fortunately, I discovered that gas stations have evolved over the past several years into something resembling neighborhood grocery stores. And with brands like Bucee’s and Valero making their marks along the highway corridors of Texas, our snack options are looking better!
So keep walking past the cookie aisle, and ignore the homemade pralines at checkout! Instead, try some of my picks for quick and healthy snacks that will keep you energized and feeling good for miles!