Road trip essentials?

I know I know, one of THESE posts. We are getting our acts together to go home. Hubby was given the ok to take all the time we need to get everything in order. I never wanted to travel home for this type of situation, but I feel at peace with it. I just want to spend some good quality time with my mom, get pictures with her, and get some of her and the girls. She lives for her grandkids, and vice versa. That's Mawmaw right there! We're trying to keep positive, and even my husband, who does NOT pray, has gotten on his knees and prayed with me.

We've made this trip several times, so we know the roads like the back of our hands. We know which restaurants we plan on stopping at. We even know which gas stations we're going to. It's just that the last time we made this trip, I was on full liquids. I know that I'm more than likely going to get munchy.

I plan on bringing Crystal light and jerky. (We're looking at a 14 hour drive.) Can anyone suggest anything that doesn't have to be kept cold? I will also have my protein shakes on hand. Hubby's taken a liking to them, so we keep fully stocked. lol

I feel so overwhelmed at times. I'm hanging in there and hanging on, but I can honestly say, it's not easy. Thanks everyone!

Ok Laura. You've tied your knot...now hang on. I know how scary this is for you and your family. Know that we are all here for you and we'll be here thru the whole time...no matter what.

As far as what to bring for travel...I applaud you for keeping a focus for yourself. You will get thru this and when you're on the other side, you'll feel better that you did what you had to , to keep yourself healthy. The only thing you really have control over right now is what you eat.

Did you say when you are leaving? I buy these snacks in my local grocery in the health food Isle. Little 1.2 oz bags from "Kay's Naturals". They have different kinds of cracker/pretzel things and I eat only 1/2 a bag at a time because the carbs are 15 for the bag. BUT 12 Grams of protein. I use these in a pinch when I need something quick and plans run amok. I've also bought the individually packed 100 cal dry roasted almonds...also not super great...but in a pinch. Sugar free jello ( some non brand names ones don't need to be cold)...and sugar free candies to keep mouth busy ( if you can tolerate sorbitol). These choices are better than other high fat/ high carb options I suppose.

I'm sure there is a lot of other stuff out there that others will think of.

I just want you to know that I'm thinking of you. You and your  Mom will be in my prayers.

Peace to you and your family.

~Deb

 

Wishing you and your family well. I hope you all have a wonderful visit and create beautiful, lasting memories.

Do you like tuna? They have pre packed tuna complete with dressing and a couple crackers. They wouldn't be too bad in a pinch and doesn't need refrigeration.

Mini turkey pepperoni?

Good luck!!!

Cheese sticks or Babybel cheese.  They can certainly last a day in the car.

String cheese would be a good snack for the car besides the beef jerky. Have a safe trip. I'm glad you're feeling peace.

Oh those are great ideas! I hadn't even thought of those! We should be leaving sometime next week. I get the final word on Wednesday. Thank you everyone!

I travel for my job, once a month for 6 hrs one way. These tips will help me too. Any others? I'm nervous for my meals while out of town, I may pack and take my food in a cooler. If anyone has been thru this I'd appreciate the suggestions. I'll be on mushies the first time around.

I also travel and am looking for some good snack ideas.  I was on a girl scout camping trip with my daughter and had to plan for 2 days of food.  I fit it all into a little collapsible cooler.  I had smoked salmon, a couple greek yogurts, jerkey, cheese sticks, kale chips, some veggies, apple, protein drinks and a few other snacks from the health food store. 

We're traveling again this weekend and as usual I have my easy protein along. This time I lined up small ziplocs and put a scoop of protein powder and 1/4 cup of dry milk in each. While driving you can ge****er with ice at a MickeyD drive through, dump a packet of whey/dry milk into a water bottle, add water and ice and shake. Almost instant protein drink with 200 calories and 30 grams of protein.

Some of my baggies have cuppaccino Syntrax with the milk, so are being high protein hot drinks instead of cold. A couple contain Syntrax my cellar blend, milk powder and a tablespoon of cocoa. Depending on how much water I add they can be a shake or a serving of pretty decent chocolate pudding.

My "personal health packing cube" (dollar store zippered lunch bag) also contains my meds, Quest bars, sf cider packets, broth packets, sweetener, Via instant coffee packets and a couple of tuna kits. There's actually still room, so if I'd needed it I could fit in a couple of small tins of baked beans and a few 1-ounce packets of turkey jerky. (We flew and prefer to just have carry-ons, so didn't risk the beans, although they'd probably have been fine) If you can eat it, small tins of "flakes of ham" would be a tasty addition.

If you'll have a cooler with you you can add baby bel cheese, small containers of greek yogurt and cottage cheese, string cheese, cold cuts, turkey bites, and (stress eater that I am) cut up raw veggies, a small jar of cheese whiz and possibly one of peanut butter. Those last 2 may not be perfectly on plan, but a stalk of celery with a little PB or cheese whiz provides a lot of crunching and helps me avoid "other" forms of stress munching. A couple of oranges would tuck nicely into corners and give a welcome change without a crazy amount of calories. None of these things need to be kept super cold - a basic insulated bag would likely be enough.

Which brings me to the nuts I'd normally pack. As a stress eater, nuts are one thing I need to keep totally away from when stressed, since I can mindlessly motor through an awful lot of calories when they're in front of me. The veggies really are the better/safer choice for me.

I'll be praying for you, your Mom and the rest of your family this next while. We just had to make arrangements for my Mum's passing (she has late stage dementia) so I have a small idea of what you're dealing with. It's a blessing for you that your Mom is able to take part in making these difficult decisions. ((Hugs)) to you all.

Kelly-Anne

Thank you so much for the tips! I'm so sorry that you have to make those plans. It's never easy, no matter age or the reasons. Looks like I'll have a nice little stash by the end of this. We're driving about 14 hours to my hometown, then we have to drive around 6 hours for the surgery. That's all one way trips. So, I will definitely need some variety and things to bring to the hospital. Thank you all again!