June 21 marked the official first day of Summer. Children across the country are either on summer vacation or in their last days of school. Families are planning their long awaited summertime getaways - planes, trains, and automobiles will be filled with travelers looking for good times, relaxation, and memories.
Our family ended our summer vacation on the longest day of the year. Ours was planned around a family event - my niece's graduation party and an opportunity to meet some of my husband's family and friends for the first time. We decided to drive 20 hours to Mason City, Iowa. This is not a traditional hot vacation destination but I did discover some interesting facts... Mason City is the home town of Frank Lloyd Wright and Meredith Wilson (songwriter and playwright of "The Music Man"), and the site of the Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, and Ritchie Valens' plane crash was in the next town over.
Like anyone on vacation, I was faced with the challenge of trying to eat well and stay active on the road. For the most part, it was not a colossal breakdown of good intentions. I got creative at fast food places, ordering a side salad and grilled chicken breast, for example. There were times when I splurged but I would generally limit that to one meal a day. To combat road cravings that accompany 40 hours in a car, we brought snacks (high fiber granola bars, individual snack bags of baked chips, fruit, etc) and a lot of water. At rest stops and gas stations, we'd let our daughter burn off energy as we all stretched our legs. We packed our running clothes (I will plea the fifth on whether or not they were used for running). Making healthful choices is a challenge when on vacation but it is possible - even if it's not 100% of the time.
The JFA Worksite Wellness Team shares stories, tips and information about living well, or doing the best they can, while balancing life and working as worksite wellness professionals.
