Do you ever eat really poorly when you travel? I do. I eat at fast food restaurants and eat junk food that can be bought at convenience stores and gas stations. It is almost part of the travel ritual, I buy and eat foods and let my kids eat foods that we usually wouldn't eat. Sometimes a McDonald's french fry and a real Coke really hit the spot. My grandmother always packed a cooler full of nutritious and cost-conscious foods for traveling. I should be more organized and do the same but to be honest, it is hard enough just getting myself and the kids packed up and loaded up and to our destination without losing my sanity.

Last week I was away from home. I helped my aunt prepare healthy meals but I snuck quite a few real Cokes in, ate cookies and fast food and all sorts of bad things while on the road. And when I got home I just really felt blah. I do think days of eating crap affect your mood and your energy levels. So now I am trying to even back out again and get myself on track.

Our menu has included most fresh, raw fruits and veggies, big salads and some light grilled chicken, turkey burgers and simple green smoothies. I'm hoping that it only takes a week to get rid of the lingering headache and the two pounds I gained while gone. I'm happy to be back into my regular eating routine but, boy...

That real Coke sure tasted delicious!

-Jess