Whether you’re taking a road trip or getting a cab to the airport and flying somewhere, you’ll want to have some snacks to stave off hunger. Eating while traveling can be expensive and unhealthy if you have to stop for fast food or convenience store items along the way. Here are 10 healthy snacks that are perfect for traveling.
1. Hard-boiled Eggs
High-protein foods will help you feel full for a longer amount of time. They’re great for pairing with some carbohydrates and balancing your blood sugar. Hard-boiled eggs are a great option. Peel them at home for convenience. Low-fat mozzarella cheese sticks or cubes of cheddar are also good choices.
2. Cheese and Crackers
Slices or cubes of cheese pair well with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider a nut butter and crackers. You can make them into cracker sandwiches at home.
3. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is an excellent snack for traveling. You could bring whole apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, bananas or bunches of grapes. Slices of watermelon, kiwi or bananas would also be tasty. They help you stay hydrated, which could improve your sleep while traveling. They’re also full of fiber, which could help you avoid constipation.
4. Hummus and Veggies
Hummus and veggies is an ideal combination of protein, healthy fat and complex carbohydrates. Include baby carrots, sweet bell pepper strips, cucumbers, zucchini or button mushrooms. You could also pair whole grain pretzels with hummus if you like salty snacks.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has protein, healthy fat and some carbohydrates. There are some low-sugar options available, too. Greek yogurt needs to be kept cold, so pack it in your cooler with reusable ice packs. Remember to pack a spoon, too.
6. String Cheese
String cheese is a classic snack for traveling. The cheese is individually wrapped, allowing you to have one portion at a time. It’s also easy for kids to eat. It’s a good choice for road trips and flights.
7. Sandwiches
When flying, you’ll end up being at the airport and possibly dealing with delays. The convenience stands and restaurants in airports often charge exorbitant prices for something as simple as a sandwich. Bring along your own nut butter and honey or jelly sandwich, cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, veggie wrap or meat and cheese sandwich.
8. Trail Mix
Trail mix is another portable snack, but be cautious about the amount of added sugar in pre-packaged trail mix. Making your own trail mix is easy and less expensive. At home, you can pour four cups of dry roasted peanuts, almonds or cashews into a plastic food storage bag. Add one-half cup of raisins, dried cranberries or other dried fruit, peanut butter chips or chocolate chips. Add another one-half to one cup of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or chia seeds.
9. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is another simple portable healthy snack. It’s high in protein. Some have as much as 10 grams of added sugar, so closely read the label.
10. Snack Bars
Individually-wrapped snack bars are an ideal snack for road trips, flights and hotels. Choose one high in protein and low in added sugar. Consider one with dates if you like sweet snacks.
