When you travel, stick with healthy eating and kids will benefit.
Forward planning is essential, otherwise when you have a car load of hungry kids, demanding rubbishy food, it can all turn a bit stressful. Before you set off, work out how many meal stops you'll need, and decide what you'll eat.
Take a stash of healthy snacks along as well, and good supply of water - travelling makes kids thirsty. Follow the tips below, and you can settle back and enjoy the journey.
Healthy eating and kids: travel
Junk food, fizzy drinks and candy bars can send kids' blood sugar levels soaring - and that can make them uncontrollably excited. Rather than eating at a motorway restaurant, where fast food may be all that's on the menu, take a simple picnic - a few wholemeal rolls or sandwiches, some veggie sticks and a helping of fruit, such as strawberries to dip in yoghurt. Pack in an insulated bag with ice blocks.
Instead of sweets, chocolate or candy, offer dried fruit or homemade flapjacks.
Make sure kids don't get dehydrated. They often don't seem to notice when they need to drink, so give each child a spill-proof bottle of water with sports top, and remind them to drink frequently. Best drink? You've guessed it - water is tops, and if they refuse that, offer diluted fruit juice. Fizzy drinks are really bad news because of their sugar/additive content. Milk is also a no-no for journeys, as it's harder to digest and can lead to upset stomachs.
Kids often feel more snacky than usual on journeys, especially if they're bored. Take along plenty of in-car entertainment to keep their minds off their stomachs.
Healthy eating and kids don't always go together easily, but it's best if you can shun unhealthy snacks like potato crisps. Try these instead: oatcakes, little pots of fruit such as grapes, banana slices or orange segments, plain home-popped popcorn (no sugar or salt), unsalted nuts, veggie strips, mini rice cakes, wholemeal crackers.
"I feel sick..." - yes, most parents have heard those words with a sinking heart. Help to prevent nausea by making sure children drink enough, avoiding large meals and keeping kids topped up with healthy snacks, avoiding fizzy drinks, steering clear of any strong-smelling foods, and saying no to fatty foods like burgers and chips.
