How to Eat Healthy at a Truck Stop

When taking a road trip or on family vacation, a truck stop can offer a much needed bathroom break, gas for the car and a quick bite to eat. However, you may have noticed the junk food wrappers and soda cans littering the floor of your car. Maybe that stomach ache isn't carsickness, but the effects of bad truck stop food. Believe it or not, you can eat healthy at a truck stop, you just have to know how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stop for a sit down meal. Many truck stop diners offer full course meals with several healthier options. In most of these restaurants, you can find healthy steak and salad dinners, fresh juice and fruit salad. You may add a few extra minutes to your travel time, but your waistline will thank you.
2. Order from the low-carb or heart-healthy menus of your favorite fast-food restaurant, if you just want to dash through the drive-thru, grab your food and go. Reduce calories and increase the health factor of your fast food meal by requesting a bottle of water instead of a soda, sugary tea or lemonade.
3. Choose a sub sandwich for a healthier fast food selection. There are many fast food sub sandwich chains throughout the U.S., so you are likely to find at least one sub sandwich shop option at a truck stop. Order a sandwich with lean chicken or turkey and as many fresh vegetable toppings as possible. Bypass the mayo for mustard or a low-fat vinaigrette.
4. Look closely inside truck stop mini marts, and you are bound to find apples, bananas, oranges and other common in-season fruits. Many mini marts have a selection of deli items that include fruit salad, sandwiches and other fresh options. Your healthy drink options also increase inside the truck stop mini mart, where you can choose milk, water, healthy sports drinks and more. You will also find healthier alternatives to potato chips, like crackers, apple chips or popcorn.