Taking a long road trip this summer or flying to Europe? Here are some handy healthy snacks ideas to make sure you don’t give-in to the Cinnabon at the airport (880 kcals for the classic!) or Doritos at the gas station…and of course bring a refillable water bottle wherever you go too!
I also like to travel with my own herbal tea bags for the decadent taste of home (decaf chai for me please).
Non-Perishable Suggestions:
• Energy bars: Make your own or look for low sugar (<10g),high fiber(>3g). A few brands to try: Kind bar, Larabar, Kashi, FiberOne or Luna/Cliff bar.
• Plain or low sodium almonds, peanuts, cashews, soy nuts, mixed nuts, etc without added oils. Keep servings to a small snack sized baggie (pre-make several as necessary).
• Dried fruit (mix with nuts for a protein boost)
• Pistachio seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds with shells- this will keep your hands busy (bring an extra baggie for empty shells)
• Trail mix- homemade or from the store, keep the serving to a snack sized baggie
• Canned fruit (in water not syrup and remember to bring a spoon!)
• Instant oatmeal packets (low sugar ideally). Top with handful of nuts for an extra protein boost and/or dried fruit for added sweetness.
• Peanut, almond or apple butter with whole grain crackers ( like Akmak or Wasa). I like Justin’s single serve nut butter
• Air popped popcorn or microwave popcorn (look for low fat, “natural” brands”)
• Brown Rice cakes;flavored (sweet or savory) or plain and spread with peanut, almond, nut butter.
Perishable Suggestions (pack a soft cooler bag with a ice-pack):
• Low fat string cheese or wedge cheese and whole grain crackers
• Apple slices with snack sized packets or containers of nut butter
• Mini Pita and hummus sandwiches-add lettuce and tomato too or eat with baby carrots
• Mini or scooped bagel. Spread with light cream cheese, cottage cheese or peanut butter and whole fruit low sugar jam.
• PBJ on whole wheat bread (>3g fiber per slice)
• 6 oz low fat yogurts, I like greek yogurts in the lowest sugar flavor possible or plain with berries.
• Protein roll ups-roll up turkey, roast beef or light cheese, wrap and pack in plastic
• Hard boiled eggs
• Cut up veggies with low fat dip (you can find this prepackaged in many local supermarkets)
• Hummus with cut up veggies, pretzels or pita chips
• Unshelled edamame (Trader Joes sells these fresh or find them in the freezer section and thaw on the road
• Homemade low sugar whole wheat fruit muffins
Great ideas…I am doing a 3 week road trip later this year. Will definitely use these tips!
Thanks! The other fun thing about traveling is getting to discover new healthy foods that are local to where you are (someone just introduced me to boiled peanuts after a trip to the south). Keep us posted if you find any new fun healthy foods on your trip and bonne voyage!