Do you love to travel but get frustrated with the unhealthy food options provided along the way? It doesn’t matter how good your intentions are when you start your trip, flight delays, layovers, or hours of sitting in a plane or car, can derail anyone’s healthy eating goals.
The best thing you can do to eat healthy on the way is to pack your own food. Try to pack a variety of flavors and textures so you are prepared for whatever craving you have. Here are my top choices:
Both Vegan and Vegetarian Snack Choices:
- Veggies and fruits. Pack baby carrots, mini cucumbers, mandarins, and apples. I usually avoid bananas because they always end up bruised or crushed in my bag.
- Roasted chickpeas. You can make your own or buy premade, they come in various flavors. Chickpeas are a great protein source, which can help you to feel full for longer.
- Half a PB &J. This is a much underappreciated larger snack but on whole-grain bread with natural Peanut Butter (no added salt or hydrogenated vegetable oils) and low-sugar preserves or honey, it can be an easy and healthy snack or meal.
- Trail mix. Try to look for unsalted or low-salt versions or create your own by roasting walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts and adding dried fruit, such as cherries or apple slices. (Tart cherries are antioxidants that are great in reducing inflammation and muscle recovery.)
- Crackers. Choose whole grain or a nut flour-based cracker, like the Almond flour crackers by Simple Mills.
- Single-serving Hummus. Another great protein-filled snack, eat with carrots instead of crackers and you’re getting an extra serving of veggies.
- Single-serving guacamole. Tasty with crackers or pita chips.
- Fruit crushers. Great for kids (but also works great as a pre-workout snack if you’re planning to work out at your destination.
- Popcorn. I like the single-serving packages since popcorn can get stale quickly. A healthy alternative to potato chips if you’re craving something salty and crunchy.
- Single serving Nut Butters. These come in so many flavors and varieties, such as cinnamon, honey or chocolate. They’re great to eat with crackers or on an apple. Nut butters add protein and healthy fats to your snack, which will help you feel fuller longer.
If you are a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian, all of the above plus these:
- Low-fat/non-fat string cheese. Another great protein choice and easy to eat.
- Individual non-fat yogurts or even low-fat cottage cheese. Also, a great protein choice. I like to add my trail mix for some added crunch.
- Boiled eggs . Because of their odor, I would recommend these for car travel only. One egg has about 7g of protein.
And make sure you hydrate. I always recommend water, especially when flying. Bring an empty refillable water bottle and refill once you get through security.
I hope you find this helpful, enjoy your travels!