One of the most challenging parts of travel is keeping a healthy lifestyle in check. Depending on where you find yourself in the world, tracking down healthy options might not be very easy. Take these packable snacks along with you instead to balance out any less than healthy decisions you might make along the way.
Trail Mix
A mix of nuts, dried fruit, and sometimes a little chocolate is a great combo to fuel your body. Nuts are packed with healthy fats, but try to opt for the mix with less salt. If you’re not into the whole mixed bag, grab a bag of almonds or peanuts instead.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal cups are not only incredibly convenient on the go but packed with nutrients and carbs to keep you feeling full and energized. The Bob’s Red Mill cups come in plenty of different flavors, even a gluten-free option. Of course, the oatmeal packets are a good option too.
Packable Protein Pancakes
If you have the option of getting your hands on Kodiak Cake Flapjack Power Cups or something similar, you’ll get your protein and energizing carbs in a quick fix. For how small these cups are, they are quite filling and bound to keep you feeling full for hours.
Firm Fruit
Apples and oranges are a great choice for the traveler with a sweet tooth. If you decide to take fruit with you, make sure it's a squish-proof fruit. Nobody likes mushy fruit... unless it’s in pie form.
Fruit Chips
If the firm fruit isn’t packable enough for you, plantain chips, dried mango, and apple chips might be a better bet. However, dried fruit can come with unwanted added sugar, be sure to read the label before you buy and always opt for the no sugar added option when available.
Dark Chocolate
Surprise surprise, there is a type of chocolate that makes the cut in the “healthy” category. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, and you’ll need them as travel stress can suppress the immune system. Keep a bar in your backpack for a quick boost for that sweet tooth without the overload of added sugars.
Popcorn
The beauty of popcorn is that it’s good to go either unpopped or popped. A bag of SkinnyPop poses perfectly as a guilty pleasure snack while still being health conscious. There are plenty of lightly salted, unbuttered options for unpopped popcorn that are easily packable if you have access to a microwave.
Jerky
Protein is important while trying to sustain energy. Why not carry around a bag of it? Turkey jerky, beef jerky, peppered, or teriyaki, take your pick. As always, if there’s an option for a jerky with less sodium, that will always be your better choice.
Nut Butter Packs
Nut butters have come a long way, and their health benefits haven’t wavered. Justin’s nut butters come in plenty of tasty flavors, ready to spread over wheat crackers or eat plain if you prefer. Healthy fats and protein is always a win.
If you find yourself snack-less and ordering from an airplane food cart, try and choose something with low sodium, healthy fats, carbs, and protein, preferably all. The combo will help keep your energy balanced and your stomach feeling full. The better you eat, the better you’ll feel to take on the world.
