Happy Independence Day!
Summer is in full swing. The kids are out of school and many people have exciting vacations planned. We do. ;) We are headed to Maine to hike in Arcadia National Park.
Tips to Eat Better and Save Money While On Vacation
1. Bring Healthy Snacks – This is the easiest one to do. Protein bars, fruit, and beef jerky get mixed in with chips and nuts in our car. Most of our choices are very clean so this helps us save money and eat better! My sister even packs a suitcase of healthy snacks for her family of five when flying. This way she can always find healthy snacks when she needs them. Admittedly this is a bit extreme, but when family members have strict diet issues, it's necessary. Healthy snacks are not easy to find everywhere.
2. Perfect Collagen – Sometimes the free breakfast at a hotel is all carbs – cereal, muffins, and pastry. Most drastically lack protein. Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen in packets fits easily in a purse or suitcase and adds 10g of grass-fed collagen protein to drinks. This is a healthy addition to any carb heavy breakfast. They work great in your morning coffee, a glass of juice or chocolate milk for the kids! Bring a shaker for colder drinks as sometimes it takes a bit of work to dissolve in cold liquids.
Speaking of chocolate milk, you could bring a small container of premixed Chocolate Flavored Perfect Protein Powder to mix with milk, any milk alternative, or in coffee. The Elderberry Flavor is also great in all of that plus juice and tea! I love it in a cup of coffee at lunch.
3. Smoothie Powders – This one is a bit more effort to prepare, but for many can be a healthy meal replacement – which saves money. I make my own smoothie mix at home that includes the following per serving:
1 1/2 scoops Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen
2 scoops Perfect Baobab Powder
1/2 to 1 scoop Perfect Aquatic Greens Powder
When combined, this is about 1/4 cup. I premix enough for one a day and pack my 1/4 cup measuring cup along with my favorite shaker. When mixed with milk (or milk alternative), juice or water, this makes a healthy breakfast, lunch or snack. If your accommodations have a blender and freezer, this can easily be turned into a smoothie with the addition of frozen or fresh fruit – yum!
I love this combination because it is wicked nutritious! The Aquatic Greens are nutrient dense. The Baobab is a fantastic antioxidant and, bonus, has 3g fiber, which helps us stay full longer. Adding a little fat will also help you stay full longer. I prefer a couple tbs each water and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt, which adds more protein. But you can use coconut milk or any full fat milk or milk alternative of your choice. The Collagen adds 15g of clean protein. I worry less about not eating right when we all drink one of these every day while on vacation.
I hope this helps you and your family eat a little healthier while traveling this summer!