Summer, Sunshine & Simple Tips for an Organic Vacay
School’s out and summertime is here! With the warmest months of the year in full swing, you and your family will likely have some travel plans. It can be hard enough to plan out a week’s worth of healthy meals for a family when you’re at home. Add in the extra obstacles of eating out while on the road or in the air, and you’re probably thinking it’s impossible to keep up a healthy, organic lifestyle. We’re here to tell you that it’s possible! With a little bit of prep and planning, you don’t have to take a vacation from healthy habits. Here’s the lowdown:
- Pack the Cooler
If a long car ride is on the horizon, don’t feel like fast food is your only option while on the road. Pack homemade organic sandwiches along with some of yours and the kiddos favorite fruits and veggies in a well-insulated cooler. This way you can still have a healthy meal without the added junk that you’d get from the drive thru or gas station.
- Stock up on non-refrigerated staples
The ice packs in the cooler are only going to last so long, so it’s good to have other backup snacks on hand that’ll last the duration of your trip. Organic chips, trail mix, popcorn and protein bars are all great snacking options while on vacation just like they are at home. Plus, you’ll know that you’re eating clean rather than opting for more readily available GMOs and processed snack foods.
- Plan Ahead
Does anyone in your family have a dietary concern? You can let the staff at your destination know about any special circumstances ahead of time to see how they can accommodate you. If it doesn’t look like you can get fresh, organic options at your hotel, consider a room with kitchen or kitchenette so you can cook meals that fit your family’s organic lifestyle from your room.
- Shop at your Destination
Don’t fret, not everything has to be packed ahead of time. You can still get fresh, organic meals once you arrive to your hotel or resort! With a little bit of pre-planning, you can time your trip and stay around local farmers markets. You can also scope out grocery stores that carry organic food so you’re never far from fresh, organic goodness.
- Know your Organic Produce
You may not be able to eat entirely organic if you’re eating out at restaurants for a week. There are ways to do your best to avoid toxic chemical pesticides though! Google is going to be your best friend on your trip. Look for restaurants that promote organic meals as a part of their cuisine. You can also look for farm-to-table style dining options. If neither of these are within a reasonable distance to where you’re staying, it’s helpful to know which produce is generally produced with less harmful pesticides and those that are top offenders. We recommend using the EWG’s Dirty Dozen™ and Clean Fifteen™ guides so you can order smart while dining out.
Editor’s Note: This article was adapted from our friends at Only Organic.
