Summer Road Trip: How to Pack a Healthy Cooler

Summer is here, and it's time for the All-American road trip! There's no better way to escape the daily grind than to hit the open road. Road trips are a refreshing change of scenery and can help relax the mind, body, and spirit. By immersing ourselves in new locations and enjoying the beautiful views, we often discover new solutions to old problems and return home feeling refreshed and better equipped to deal with life's everyday pressures.

Before you bust out the cooler and hit the open road, there are a few dietary factors to consider so you don't return home feeling exhausted and in need of another vacation. It can be hard to keep up a nutritious diet while you're on the road, opting instead for quick and easy fast food. Fast food often lacks essential nutrients required for good health, and soon enough, you'll find yourself low in energy and not feeling your best!

It is important to plan ahead to maintain a good diet filled with vitamins and nutrients to maximize your energy during a road trip. By leaving sodas, chips, and cookies out of the cooler and replacing them with nutrient-rich snacks, you are helping to keep up increased energy and stamina during your trip. Taking a few dietary supplements to help support your daily nutrition is a good idea. Bringing along a multivitamin is an excellent way to ensure you consume key vitamins and minerals important for overall health. Nature Made®’s B-Complex with C Caplets provide B Vitamins to help convert the food you eat into cellular energy your body can use all day long, plus Vitamin C to help support your immune system.†

As an alternative to fast food restaurants and convenience stores, below are some nutritious snacks to include in your cooler. Be sure to pack your cooler with fresh ice each day or refreeze cooler packs as directed.

Great Travel Snacks:

• Bottled Water—Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. A refillable water bottle can help reduce plastic waste and keep your water nice and cool along the way. Many drinking fountains now include a separate nozzle for filling bottles, and most restaurants are happy to let you fill your bottles.
• Celery and Baby Carrots—Celery and carrots are a good source of fiber for the road; make sure to bring along hummus for dipping! Carrots are a source of Vitamin A, which supports your skin and immune system, and celery is a source of dietary fiber, which helps support digestive health.†
• Fresh Berries—Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are excellent antioxidant sources. Antioxidants can help your body neutralize harmful free radicals.†
• Sandwiches—Consider the nutrients in your ingredients when putting your sandwiches together! Fermented pickles are high in probiotics, "good bacteria" that help maintain gut health. Choose low-fat cheeses, lean meats, and whole-grain bread. A heaping of spinach is a great way to fill your sandwiches with nutrients such as Vitamin K, Folic Acid, and Iron. Throw on a few slices of bell pepper as a source of important antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Avoid mayonnaise, eggs, and other foods that require refrigeration.
• Apple Slices—Apples are rich in prebiotic fiber, which helps you feel full for longer, and supports digestive health by feeding the good bacteria in your gut! Apples are also a source of Potassium and Vitamin C.†
• Oatmeal cookies—Select a high fiber/low sugar brand or make your own with raisins for an addition source of Iron and Calcium.
• Whole Grain Crackers—Great with peanut butter or hummus for a tasty snack. When picking crackers, look for a brand with high fiber content and low sodium and sugar.

These foods should help fuel your adventures and keep you feeling fresh and energized. While you're exploring new places, it's essential to make sure your immune system is getting enough support. You can find Vitamin C in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. If you want to ensure your immune system is getting a daily dose of Vitamin C, Nature Made® Vitamin C Extra Strength 500 mg Gummies are a tasty and portable supplement to take on the road!†

Wherever the road takes you, be sure to take care of yourself with nutritious food and all the essential nutrients your body needs. Follow these tips before packing your cooler, and you'll be ready for a road trip to remember!

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.