While summer is a warm and wonderful season, it can be fraught with potential hazards or road blocks to healthy eating. With just a little bit of planning ahead, you should be able to attend BBQs and family reunions, and go on vacations and road trips without too many skids.

As I began packing for a (very long) upcoming road trip I started thinking about certain road trip essentials that could make for a healthy anxiety-free and safe "ride."

Whether travelling near or far, try to have the following 10 items on board:

A COOLER; any size that fits in your vehicle will do. You can use ice packs or pick up ice on the road as needed.

SMALLER INSULATED BAG/LUNCH BOX PLUS ICE PACK; to bring your own lunch to the beach, on a picnic, etc.

A CASE OF WATER OR OTHER SUGAR-FREE DECAF NON-CARBONATED BEVERAGE; so you don't have to stop at tempting, expensive quickie marts on the road.

FOODS FOR COOLER; Greek yogurt, hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks, chicken or turkey breast, etc.

PROTEIN PRODUCTS; powder packets, protein shakes, and protein bars.

SWEATER/SWEATSHIRT; to keep you warm in car, hotel or motel air conditioning. (As you lose excess fat layers you will be more sensitive to drops in temperature.)

BOOKS AND GAMES; be sure to bring a deck of cards, puzzle books, magazines or a captivating book to keep you busy while others may pass the time drinking and snacking.

SNEAKERS, COMFY CLOTHING AND BATHING SUITS; for walking on the beach, boardwalk, trail or treadmill in a hotel gym or swimming in a pool, lake or ocean.

CAMERA, JOURNAL OR IPOD; to record memories or listen to music while walking (or while others may be snacking). Please make sure someone takes photographs on your trip and keep a photo-journal of your weight loss.