Article contentHe also suggests asking your Airbnb host ahead of time if they have a slow cooker. If so, you can throw some meat, potatoes and vegetables in before you leave, set it, and it’s ready by the time you come back. Check for a back patio barbecue too, he recommends, or if you are at a hotel, ask if they have a community barbecue on site that you can access.Article contentIf staying in one place and cooking, Frederick-Wilson suggests not cooking meals every day and instead bulk cook. She recommends options like curries, soups and rice dishes, so that when tiredness strikes, you don’t have to cook a meal from scratch for a few days.Article content Picnics help save money while on the road. ContributedArticle contentPack a picnicArticle contentOverall, when picnicking, Frederick-Wilson says it’s best to keep it simple. For example, their family has a rotation of picnic menu of foods they take with them when they hit the road.Article contentGrab a sandwich, a wrap, or a burrito with veggies for a meal. You can also create what Frederick-Wilson calls a “snackle box.” This includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, tiny sandwiches and snacks.Article contentArticle contentTake cooking gadgets along with you if there’s room in the car, she suggests. For example, bring a small barbecue and make burgers on the road, which makes for a fun adventure, says Frederick-Wilson. Or bring a camp stove and have a picnic breakfast. Make things like breakfast sandwiches or small prep meals that can be heated up in a portable car oven.Article contentDon’t forget about the versatility of a Thermos. This allows you to make hot food at home and bring it with you, she says.Article content Natalie Frederick-Wilson’s kids, of the NS Wandering Wilsons, enjoy a picnic. Keep it simple, Frederick-Wilson says. Remember, it’s part of the adventure, too. ContributedArticle contentEating out doesn’t have to be bad for youArticle contentEating out on the road and eating well is easy with some planning, says Frederick-Wilson.Article content“Part of the fun is eating food in a new spot, it’s like an adventure,” she says.Article contentDo some research before you go. Find out the highly recommended places in town to eat.Article contentFor Pearcey, this is Breen’s in St. John’s for soup and sandwiches, but don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations wherever you visit.Article contentArticle contentMost take-out restaurants have healthier options now, says Pearcey. If you have to go the take-out route, most spots offer healthier selections like grilled meat options, salads and bottled water.Article content“Choose wisely,” he says.Article content Preparation and planning are key, says Randy Piercey, if you want to eat healthy while on the road, but it requires a lot of discipline and willpower. ContributedArticle contentFrederick-Wilson adds that one of her biggest tips while eating out is not to have any meals without vegetables.Article contentMake note of serving size before you order, as some food establishments have large potions, she says. Ordering a separate meal for everyone just ends up being wasted in that case.Article contentIn terms of drinks, go for water. Frederick-Wilson says that her family rarely orders pop, but instead opts for water. This helps them avoid sugar consumption and it’s often a cheaper choice, too, as most drinks can easily add an additional $20 to the food bill.Article contentAvoid fast food joints where meals are temporarily filling, and with very few filling veggies, or opt to visit a sub sandwich place, where you can have a filling sandwich and add lots of extra vegetables to it.
Planning a road trip this summer? Here’s some easy ways to eat healthy on a budget
