Introduction
When you take a trip, impromptu or otherwise, nutrition is not necessarily thought of unless you’re a meticulous planner like my Mom, who likes to carry home food with her wherever she goes.
But as it takes all kinds, some of us aren’t like that, even if we’re health-conscious and all that jazz. Somehow, a trip always comes across as one that does not include responsibilities (which it should be within limits), and can end up with health issues like indigestion and at worst, food poisoning that can end up spoiling our trip.
So, in order to avoid these health issues, let’s look at what should one look for in a ‘healthy travel snack’.
Healthy Snacks – Say what now?
One doesn’t obviously associate the word ‘healthy’ with snacks in today’s world, as most of the snacks are more like junk food. But there are a few that you can take along with you on a trip which will maintain a healthy calorie intake and which will be lighter on your pocket as compared to the overpriced junk food types that you will indulge in with gay abandon.
Which begs the question again: So, what is a healthy snack?
In order to answer this question comprehensively, here is a list of keywords that might help:
1. Fresh (to prevent any kind of digestive issues)
2. Unprocessed (no preservatives as much as possible – self-explanatory)
3. Don’t require refrigeration
4. Contain a balance of carbohydrates, fat, protein and fiber
5. Sugar or caffeine based snacks are an immediate no no.
And using this, you can literally narrow down that list of snacks you have in mind to a few that meet these requirements.
But just for your sake, let’s go one step further and identify a few snacks that are healthy and will add to the enjoyment of the trip.
Healthy Snacks – By Popular Choice
Even though this list is numbered, it doesn’t mean that snack number one isn’t better than snack number three, just choices that might suit your preferences. So here we go:
1. Fresh and Dried Fruit
Apples, bananas and grapes makes excellent options of fresh fruit provided you can keep them from getting damaged during travel. When it comes to dried fruit, the most common fruits are raisins, prunes and dates although you can find so many other fresh fruits in the dried format these days. You can find them along the way while you travel, especially when fresh fruit is not available.
2. Trail Mix
This snack is a combination of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and sometimes chocolate, that was originally developed as a snack food to be taken along on outdoor hikes and is considered an ideal snack due to it being tasty, lightweight, easy to store, and nutritious while also providing an energy boost, thanks to its contents.
3. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts and cashews will ensure that you are able to keep your energy levels up that is necessary for travels, while reducing fatigue and avoiding sleep that is possibility if you load up on junk food.
4. Sandwiches
Peanut butter, string cheese and fresh veggies are viable and healthy option as filling in whole-grain bread.
5. Dairy and Water
Instead of sodas, water and low fat milk can help in keeping you hydrated and energetic. These are very easy products to obtain from around you, at a minimal price as well.
In Closing
So, I hope this list meets the standards set above as well as is light on the pocket (and your stomach) while you hit the road on your next trip. And remember, that going on a trip means that you have more reasons to take care of health than otherwise… not vice-versa!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
My personal trainer from Carlsbad, when asked about travel snacks, told me to never take processed foods like chips etc, and to take fresh food like fruits and always take water and drink it. 8 times a day is the minimum!