Travel Snacks | Now that you’re more conscious about what you’re putting into your body, it’s necessary that you plan wisely when you travel or go on vacation to avoid having to resort to unhealthy food choices on the road.
Depending on where you end up when you’re feeling hungry, you might not have access to healthy, whole foods that will provide you with the nourishment your body needs — especially if you’re a weight-loss surgery patient. However, you can play it safe by packing a series of healthy snacks that will keep your body nourished on the road if you find yourself surrounded by nothing but fast-food restaurants and gas stations.
Here are five healthy snack essentials to keep with you while you’re traveling.
1. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds typically don’t require refrigeration, aren’t too messy and are easy to eat on the go regardless of whether you’re a driver or passenger. Plus, nuts and seeds are rich in nutrients that will make you feel full for long periods of time. Pack a variety of nuts and seeds, or throw them all together in one large bag as trail mix.
2. Protein powder
Separate protein powder into individual serving sizes and store it in bags you can grab on the go. If you can, try to invest in a special travel blender that requires you to shake the bottle or blender to mix up your protein shake. Protein shakes are a great supplement to any diet and are ideal to consume on the road when no healthy food options are in sight.
3. Dark chocolate
Do you ever find yourself getting a sweet tooth or the munchies on the road? If so, satisfy your sweet tooth with dark chocolate instead of loading up on candy bars at the nearest gas station. Find a dark chocolate bar with the highest possible cacao content you can find, upward of 70 percent or more. The higher the cacao percentage, the more antioxidants the chocolate contains.
4. Green tea
Green tea is packed with a number of antioxidants that promote digestion, immune system function, weight loss, and detoxification. Plus, green tea contains a compound known as EGCG that boosts metabolism, as well as an amino acid known as theanine that can help calm your nerves, which may be necessary if you’re feeling anxious about catching a flight or making it through airport security. Pack green tea bags, and forego the coffee if possible.
5. Granola bars
Granola bars are great to eat for breakfast or as a quick snack in between meals, but only if you’re buying granola bars that lack sugar and additives. Most granola bar brands are labeled as fat-free or low-fat, but contain high amounts of sugar, especially if you’re buying the chocolate, peanut butter, and candy varieties. When choosing granola bars, buy those that have very few ingredients, and make sure all the ingredients are 100 percent natural or organic.
