How To Get Your Kids Eating Healthier On The Road
It can be challenging to get your kids to eat healthy, especially when you’re on the road.
Introduction
Often when traveling, your healthy food options will be local produce and food types. But many kids feel uneasy eating something they don’t know. For us, it works well to talk about what we are having and tell them why the locals like it or why that is the type of food they eat. Sometimes, you can even pack in a small history lesson of e.g. why the Norwegians eat dried and salted cod, Klippfisk. That will often make them curious enough to at least have a taste.
Here are more tips to help you make sure your kids are getting the nutrients they need even when you’re away from home.
5 Tips for Healthy Eating on the Road:
- Bring along snacks that are high in protein and fiber. This will help keep your kids full and satisfied between meals. Some great options include nuts, seeds, boiled eggs, granola bars, and veggie chips.
- Pack plenty of water and limit sugary drinks. It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re traveling, and sugary drinks can cause an energy crash later on (and is overall just not a healthy choice). Bring reusable water bottles and fill them up whenever you have the chance.
- Eat meals together as a family. When everyone sits down to eat together, it’s more likely that everyone will eat something nutritious. And, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your kids while you’re on the road.
- Make sure there are healthy options available at each meal. If you’re eating out, look for restaurants that have healthy choices on the menu. Consider ordering side orders of vegetables you know your kids like. And, if you’re packing your own meals, make sure to include some fruits and vegetables.
- Try to look for ways to engage the kids in the food culture of your destination. Many places offer cooking classes, also for kids. We have seen options for this in e.g. Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Italy and France.
Final words
It can be difficult to get your kids to eat healthy when you’re on the road, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips, you can make sure your kids are getting the nutrients they need even when you’re away from home and perhaps even getting a few new favorite foods.
