Podcast 64: Healthy Road Trip Food

by The Meal Makeover Moms on July 14th, 2009

According to AAA, over 37 million travelers took a road trip of 50 miles or more over the fourth of July weekend. That’s a lot of driving and a lot of pit stops!  To steer clear of fast food restaurants and road-side convenience stores, we suggest you pack your own foods – preferably healthy ones – the next time you hit the highway. On this week’s Cooking with the Moms podcast, we share two easy-to-pack nibbles:  Turkey ‘n Cheese Pretzel Sticks and Ham & Cheese Wraps. We also serve up a list of portable snack ideas for hungry travelers of all ages.

ham-cheese-wraps

Ham & Cheese Wraps
Makes  4 Servings

  • 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
  • Four 8-inch whole wheat flour tortillas
  • 1 large carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced lean deli ham (Liz likes low-sodium Boar’s Head)
  • Optional Dipping Sauces: honey mustard or barbecue sauce

Spread the cream cheese evenly over each of the tortillas.  Layer each tortilla with carrots, cheese, and ham.  Roll up tightly and slice in half. Serve with your choice of optional dipping sauces (unless it’s too messy, in which case, leave it out).

Nutrition Information per Serving:  250 calories; 9g fat (5g saturated); 690mg sodium; 34g carbohydrates; 4g fiber; 16g protein; 170% vitamin A

Snacking Smarts:
Getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables can be a challenge at the best of times, but it’s especially tough when you’re on the road.  The following nutritious and portable nibbles make it a whole lot easier. Pop individual portions in zip-top bags or fun containers and hand them out on the way:

> Dried apricots
> Sliced Strawberries
> Melon cubes
> Orange sections
> Squeeze applesauce
> Yellow or red bell pepper strips
> Baby carrot sticks
> Sugar snap peas
> Sweet potato chips

Be sure to check out our other snack recipes and lunch ideas on our main website.

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3 Comments | Filed Under Lunch, Podcast, Snacks 

3 Responses to “Podcast 64: Healthy Road Trip Food”

  1. Andrea on July 15th, 2009

    This post has actually inspired a question: What would be good stops to make in the event that stopping for a meal/snack was necessary?

  2. Kids Nutrition on July 21st, 2009

    Well I believe kids will surely love it. For toddlers I would suggest a health drink along with the snack.
    Toddler Nutrition

  3. The Meal Makeover Moms on July 28th, 2009

    Hi Andrea:
    There are certainly times when stopping for a meal or snack is necessary while on the road. Typically you can find some healthier choices wherever you stop. For example, most fast food places now offer water, lowfat milk, and 100% juice for beverages and things like apple slices, grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, yogurt parfaits, baked potatoes, and veggie burgers. If the fries are beckoning, be sure to share one portion with the whole family!
    Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts have healthier options as well with egg sandwiches, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and yogurt. Convenience stores often have popcorn, trail mixes, nuts, yogurt, waters and juices, and granola bars.
    Good luck and happy traveling!

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