Diet derailers are everywhere -- in your house, in the grocery store, at work, at play, in your head even. Here, we'll address the very things that throw us off course. Together, we'll learn how to avoid our diet traps -- and how to get back on track when we can't.

Last December, my family of four headed on the road for a holiday trip. Desination: Virginia, then DC. Let me just say: I hate to travel -- hate it! -- and so the 10-hour drive was a daunting one for me. And even though I tried to anticipate the possible troubles we'd encounter (little boy fights, boredom, emergency potty stops and more), I didn't do so well on the food front. I knew I should pack healthy tidbits for our journey and while I did stock our minivan with plenty of snacks, I fell down on the management of our on-the-road meals. I figured we'd surely find some roadside restaurants with healthy fare. I was wrong. When faced in one southern city with the choice of a Cracker Barrel full of secondhand smoke and a McDonald's, I knew I was in trouble. I picked the McDonald's and ordered the most nutritious-sounding salad on the menu board, but the burgers my boys ate made my tummy turn.

Road trips are diet derailers -- unless you plan ahead, like I did not. I know better now. And I'm here to share some tips for packing your vehicle with more than just luggage. Coolers are key too. FitSugar says these are some of the foods you ought to be fitting into your crammed car space.

• Edamame. Take the frozen bag out of the freezer the night before departure and put it in the fridge. It'll be defrosted by morning.
• Veggie sticks. Chop and place in baggies. Or buy the pre-cut variety. Include some hummus for delicious dipping.
• Apples and cheese. Great for protein and fiber. Pre-slice or bring a knife along for the ride.
• Whole-grain crackers. Try Kashi TLC party crackers or Doctor Kracker flatbreads.
• Fruit slices and yogurt. Cut up pears, pineapple, nectarines, and more. Dunk in vanilla yogurt.
• Bananas and peanuts. No utensils needed.
• Trail mix. Combine nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate, and granola. Prepare in half-cup servings in individual baggies.
• Rice cakes. Bring along almond butter for a yum factor.
• Air-popped popcorn. Crunchy and salty always satisfies.
• Energy bars. Larabars, Luna Sunrise Bars, Bora Bora bars, and Odwalla bars come recommended.

EverydayHealth.com has some road tripping tips too: Know how long your trip will take so you can stock up on supplies, bring a cooler and restock it each day, bring along plenty of water, and try these substitutions: Whole-wheat instead of white bread for sandwiches, mustard instead of butter or margarine and lean meat instead of fatty cuts.

Obviously, food is key while traveling. So is exercise. You've got to find time to exit your vehicle and stretch, walk, jump, move around. Especially with kiddos on board. Pack a frisbee, a football, toss your scooters in the trunk and I don't know, how about a bike? When you stop to eat your healthy morsels at a scenic rest stop picnic table (is there such a thing?), you can engage your bodies. It'll serve you well. Your passengers too.

Should I embark on another road trip in the future (please don't make me go), I won't be any happier about the prospect of travel, but you can bet I'll be better equipped -- with food, drink, and fitness toys to keep my bunch pumped with the very best fuel. And you?