Traveling to your destination can be a chaotic affair. Between keeping your reservations in order, packing the right clothes for the weather, and managing everyone’s well-being, eating right is often the last thing on minds of travelers.
“Vacation mode” often takes over, and sometimes applies to traveler’s diets. This doesn’t have to be the case.
1/3 of all children and adolescents in America are overweight or obese, and almost 35% of adults are obese. Eating healthy on the go is no longer an option, but something we must incorporate into our every day lives – even while traveling.
Here are 6 No-Mess Healthy Snacks To Pack For The Road.
Mixed Nuts
An easy treat to bring and share, mixed nuts are great for snacking. These healthy bundles of protein can be easily bought at the store in large bags or personal packs. If you have allergies to certain nuts, or don’t like a specific variety, you can also buy the kind you like in bulk at the supermarket.
When picking nuts, look for brands with no added sugar. Some come sugarcoated, which isn’t good for long car rides. Other nuts that have low-sodium or no salt added can also be found.
Nuts are low in calories and provide protein and healthy fats that compliment a well-rounded diet. The best nuts to snack on are almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Stay away from macadamia nuts and pecans – they’re the nuts with the lowest protein and highest amounts of fat.
Sliced Fruit and Veggies
Since you’ll be on the road, you won’t want to deal with sticky fruit and messy vegetables. A great snack for long car rides, it’s easy to pack these if you prepare them ahead of time.
Pre-slice all fruits and vegetables that you plan to bring, even ones you normally wouldn’t – like oranges and apples.
Peeling and cleaning them in the car will most likely end in a mess. Pick easy-to-eat veggies such as cucumbers, baby carrots, celery sticks, and radishes. Fruit such as grapes, bananas, and pears are all great to bring along. If you are worried your fruit will turn brown, add a few splashes of lemon juice to the bag when you package them up. This will keep them fresh.
Stay away from particularly juicy produce, like watermelon, and hard-to-eat fruit, like cherries, that will only make a mess on the road.
Hummus
Hummus is a great snack that is healthy and mess-free.
If you’ll be sharing, hummus is available in larger tubs. A great option for travel is also the personal-sized versions that are at most supermarkets. They are small and can easily be thrown away when you’re finished.
Pack pretzels or the sliced veggies to dip in the hummus for a unique treat. ½ cup of hummus has almost 10 grams of protein. Free of cholesterol or trans fat, this creamy treat comes in a wide variety of flavors that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Dark Chocolate
Everyone needs something sweet now and then, even when you’re eating right. Bring along dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dark chocolate is a great source of fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, and other important nutrients. Along with many other health benefits, it is considered the “healthiest” among other chocolates.
Instead of bringing one big bar, look for single-serving or personal-sized chocolates, such as single squares, truffles, and other small items. This will prevent over eating and keep the mess to a minimum – especially on long, hot road trips.
Cheese
A fantastic way to get your dairy intake, cheese is a good snack to take on the road. Cheese sticks are the easiest way to bring this snack along.
They can be bought individually or in a big bag if you’re traveling with a group. Aim to buy part or whole skim cheese.
Hard-boiled eggs
Looking to get some animal protein without bringing along meat? Preparing hard-boiled eggs ahead of time is a great way to stay full and healthy.
Boil the eggs a day or two before your trip, and peel them before you leave. Store in a bag (add some salt or pepper at this point in time) and pack them in your cooler.
When you’re hungry, you’ll be able to pop a few out and snack away. These yummy treats don’t require any extra work, and are a delectable bite that will change up your on-the-go snacking.
Snacking on the road doesn’t have to be messy or unhealthy. Bring along easy-to-eat snacks that can be prepared ahead of time. Making sure you’re filling your body with the nutrients it needs will keep you full and happy during your entire trip.
