Doylestown Cardinal News
July 2026 Article
By Jill Sonlin
Summer Munchies: Eating Somewhat Healthy on Vacation
Eating healthy-ish on vacation is possible, but requires a bit of strategic planning done beforehand.
The best way to start planning for this is to focus on proteins and produce. These foods keep us fuller longer, happily satisfied, and are jam-packed with fuel for energy needed for touring museums, biking, hiking, pickleballing, or tossing around the frisbee at the Jersey shore.
Another step to making it easier to plan out healthy eating while away is to consider staying at an Airbnb. This provides a way to have control over nutrition and ingredients used for serving up meals enjoyed at home. The ease of having a kitchen with counter space and a refrigerator for prepping and storing food is ideal.
Prepack travel bags with things like trailmix, pretzels, nut butters, protein bars, and fruits like apples and grapes. These won’t melt or spoil when out for the day. Quick grab and go snacks are essential for busy vacationing families on the go. It’s also really helpful having food at the ready for frequently hungry munchers!
Also, fill small spill proof containers with things like hummus and cucumber slices, cheese sticks, pickles, and pita crisps with salsa. These soothe hunger pangs in a pinch. Don’t forget to pack loads of water too, as hydration is always a priority.
Airport food is another challenge. If possible, eat something before leaving home. If unable, then pack items like hardboiled eggs, egg bites, cheese sticks, fruit and nuts. If you must buy food at the airport, choose healthy options of protein bars, yogurt parfaits, cottage cheese, and smoothies.
When arriving at your destination, be sure to stop for a quick bite to eat before heading to the grocery store to buy for your stay. We’ve all been there to realize that it’s not wise to grocery shop on an empty stomach!
For dinner out, do your research ahead of time for restaurants with some good healthy options. Look for soups, salads, seafood, grilled meats, sandwiches, and rice bowls.
Making decisions in advance of how many splurge meals or desserts you will allow is helpful in guiding your way in a sea of tempting foods. This goal setting may ultimately be adjusted, but it sure helps reduce expectations of splurging without limits.
Here are a few more ideas for healthy-ish meals:
Breakfast: eggs, breakfast meats, whole grain breads, grapefruit halves, whole wheat pancakes and real maple syrup
Lunches: tuna, chicken salad, sourdough sandwiches, PB&J’s, mini carrots and dip, chicken caesar salad, turkey club wraps
Dinner: Grilled or baked seafood, catch of the day, grilled calamari, sushi, steak, rotisserie chicken, veggie entree
Sides: charred broccoli, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, side salad
If someone does get a bit “hangry" for boardwalk pizza or homemade fudge, then consider allowing it. It is everyone’s vacation after all and food is part of the experience!
Taking time to pack a few healthy snacks while away can help curb temptations when surrounded by many unhealthy options at vacation spots. Doing a little foodie research and prepping ahead not only saves a lot of time and money, but it also leaves open some fun indulgent days for a cult favorite Mack and Manco boardwalk pizza splurge!