Beach house booked… Check!
Bags packed… Check!
Sunscreen… Check!
Snacks and meals? Uh-oh… not yet?
When we’re getting ready for a summer getaway, food planning often gets left off the list. That’s understandable. Vacation is about fun, spontaneity, and a break from the usual routine. But if you’ve ever returned from a trip feeling bloated, zapped of energy, or like your body is out of sync, you’re not alone.
That’s why we believe food can be part of the adventure, in a way that supports how you want to feel.
Here are a few real-life, Well Balanced strategies to help you feel your best on the road (or at the beach, lake, or cabin):
Plan Ahead (Just a Little)
Look up a few places with nourishing meals at your destination or along your route.
Will you have access to a mini fridge or microwave? That can open up lots of flexible options.
If movement helps you feel grounded, see if there’s a trail, pool, or yoga class nearby, or pack something like resistance bands or bookmark a go-to workout video.
Fueling on the Road
Choose what supports your energy.
Yes, it’s easy to default to fast food or gas station snacks. But there are often better-for-you choices available, especially if you know what to look for.
Here are a few examples:
- Grab a grilled chicken sandwich or wrap (skip the fries if they’re not what you’re craving).
- Pick a protein-rich salad like Chick-fil-A’s Southwest Salad (bonus points for fiber and flavor!).
- Keep a Well Balanced combo in mind: protein + produce + smart carbs = steady energy and less of that sluggish “ugh” feeling.
Sip Smart
Sweet drinks, craft cocktails, and local beers can be part of the experience, but it’s easy to forget how much they add up. A few things we love:
- Sparkling water or club soda with citrus
- Reusable water bottles with fruit infusions (great for the beach!)
- Enjoying a fun drink mindfully, not mindlessly
Grocery Store = Vacation Hack
Even on vacation, local markets and grocery stores can be your best friend:
- Pre-cut fruits and veggies
- Deli turkey, cheese, and whole grain crackers
- Easy breakfasts like Greek yogurt, bananas, or boiled eggs
This can save money and give you a way to stay consistent without a lot of effort.
A Gentle Reminder:
Well Balanced doesn’t mean perfect.
It means being intentional and flexible. It means choosing the foods that make you feel good, while still making space for the ice cream cone or cocktail on the beach.
Recipe of the Week: The Ultimate BBQ Chicken
Staying close to home this 4th of July? Nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue.
We love this one from Food Network: Tyler Florence’s Ultimate Barbecued Chicken
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/ultimate-barbecued-chicken-recipe-1944518
Food for thought:
Vacations are about memories, not rules. A few small choices can go a long way in helping you feel like your best self, wherever summer takes you.
