Summer is the perfect time to load up the car for a getaway with the family. Regardless of the destination, you’ll need to eat along the way. The highways are lined with fast food restaurants and gas stations, but that’s about it. Not only are the options at these places high in calories and low in nutrients… they can get expensive too!

At the Drive-Thru:

Fast food restaurants may seem like the inexpensive choice at first. But when the whole family is hungry, it can get pricey. Check out what you could end up spending on one trip through the drive-thru.

• 1 Bacon Cheeseburger Meal (fries and drink included) – $6.49
• 1 Fried Chicken Sandwich Meal (fries and drink included) – $6.19
• 2 Kids Meals- $3.19 each
• Total = $19.06 plus tax

In addition to the cost, meals at fast food places are packed with sodium, fat, and calories. One sandwich can have over 500 calories and 1000 milligrams of sodium and a medium fountain drink can contain a quarter of a cup of sugar.

At the Gas Station:

Gas stations and convenience stores may be quick and easy, but it will be hard to find healthy options.

• 2 bags of chips – $1.99 each
• 2 candy bars – $1.39 each
• 2 sodas – $1.79 each
• 2 bottles of juice -$1.99 each
• Total = $14.32 plus tax

You could spend almost $20 for food that isn’t very filling. It won’t be long before hungry stomachs have you pulling over at another exit.

Even if you find healthy options on the road, you can count on spending more than if you bring food from home. A banana at a gas station costs about $1.00, you could bring 4 bananas from home for the same price.

From Your Cooler:

Take control of your road trip! Fill up a cooler with snacks before you leave. You can choose healthy options, and you’ll save money that you can use for other fun adventures on your trip. Check out this meal:

• 4 turkey sandwiches on whole wheat bread – $5.44
• 2 apples- $1.58
• 2 bananas- $0.38
• 4 low fat cheese sticks- $1.42
• 1 package of baby carrots- $1.28
• Ice water in reusable bottles – FREE
• Total = $10.10

Just like that, you’ve made a meal that keeps everyone full and happy for half the price. You can rest easy on your trip knowing that your family got the nutrition they needed. Now, bring on the open road!

Maddie
ISU Student