Sourcing Healthy Travel Snacks for that are easy to prepare or already packaged is the last thing you are probably thinking of before your vacation. But its one of the most important and will save you a lot of money on the road or in Airports where healthy options can be hard to find and expensive.
So I have compiled this list of so many options for you to consider that there will be no excuse not to have a healthy nutritious snack or even meal on hand at all times. I am also including a quick check list for the Top 10 essential travel items you will want to add to your travel preparation.
Top 10 essentials to compliment your travel meals
- Wet Ones (or Baby Wipes), Paper Towels, Napkins, Paper Bowls, Plasticware will be your best friend… do not forget them
- Water is Essential… do not forget the water!
- Xylitol Gum is a great idea there are many brand names to choose from… a good way to avoid cavities between brushing
- Motion Sickness Medication like Bonine (Meclizine) if your children get Car sick
- A first aid kit – So many people forget this and wish they had not
- Ziploc Bags – Get a variety of sizes and put them under the seat or in your purse… you will use them for sure!
- Blue Ice for the cooler… if you are traveling by car a cooler is essential
- Hot hands hand warmers. These are very inexpensive an so useful. They are little chemical packs you break open that will keep you warm for up to 10 hours. Hunters and Fishermen know all about them. Walmart Sports Section ask for them.
- Nitrite Gloves (Cheapest at Costco in 200 Pk). So many uses… it’s hard to wash your hands on the road… so if you have to do something dirty (Change a Flat Tire, Add Oil, Pump Gas, Change Diapers, etc.) these can be super handy.
- A 5 Gallon Bucket can be had for less than $10 at Home Depot… Get one! You can use it for so many things. A way to store dirty clothes, an emergency Toilet (Line with Garbage Bags). a sink, flip it over for a seat. Put your emergency supplies in it – flashlight, space blanket, jumper cables. So many uses. You can even do roadside laundry if there is a spill or bathroom accident. If 5 gallon is too big get a couple smaller ones…nest them together.
Top Healthy & Easy Minimum Prep Travel Foods
Tip: If you are on the road stop in the local Super Market and Head to the Produce Isle for prepackaged pre-portioned cut and ready to eat fresh fruit and vegetable platters to take to the Hotel. Put the excess leftovers in the Ziploc Bags your bring and keep them in the mini-fridge.
- Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them essential for a healthy diet. They are also easy to pack and eat on the go. Some good options include:
- Apples: Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Try packing pre-sliced apples to save time on preparation.
- Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. They are also a convenient snack that can be eaten on the go.
- Oranges: Oranges are a good source of vitamin C and fiber. They are also a refreshing snack on a hot day.
- Grapes: Grapes are a good source of antioxidants and fiber. They are also a convenient snack that can be eaten on the go.
- Carrots: Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and fiber. They are also a crunchy snack that can help to keep kids entertained.
- Celery: Celery is a good source of fiber and vitamins K and C. It is also a low-calorie snack that can help kids feel full.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a good source of hydration and vitamins K and C. They are also a refreshing snack on a hot day.
- Whole grains snacks: Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. They also provide energy and complex carbohydrates, which help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Some good options include: (Watch out for some Bands which are heavy on TRANS FATS (Read the Labels). Cereal is an easy on-the-road food. Pick up some shelf stable milk products (Almond, Soy, Oat… whatever you like) and some dried fruit. Avoid the sugary treats like ding dongs and powdered donuts. Make sure the healthy travel snacks you choose really are healthy.
- Whole-wheat bread: Whole-wheat bread is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. It is also a versatile food that can be used to make sandwiches, wraps, and toast.
- Whole-wheat crackers: Whole-wheat crackers are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. They are also a convenient snack that can be eaten on the go.
- Whole-wheat cereal: Whole-wheat cereal is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. It is also a nutritious breakfast option that can help to keep you energized throughout the morning.
- Protein Bars: Larabar, RX Bar, Kind Bar
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. They are also calorie-dense, making them a good snack for kids who are on the go. Some good options include:
- Almonds: Almonds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. They are also a convenient snack that can be eaten on the go.
- Cashews: Cashews are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and copper. They are also a creamy and delicious snack that kids will love.
- Peanuts: Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and niacin. They are also a versatile snack that can be eaten on their own or added to other foods, such as yogurt or smoothies.
- Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, iron, and zinc. They are also a crunchy snack that can help to keep kids entertained.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. It is also a versatile food that can be eaten on its own or with fruit, granola, or nuts. Some good options include:
- Chobani Kids: Chobani Kids yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also made with real fruit and has no artificial sweeteners.
- Yoplait Go-Gurt: Yoplait Go-Gurt yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also a convenient snack that can be eaten on the go.
- Fage Total: Fage Total yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also a thick and creamy yogurt that kids will love.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. They are also easy to pack and eat on the go.
- Cheese sticks: Cheese sticks are a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. They are also easy to pack and eat on the go. Some good options include:
- String Cheese: String cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also a fun and convenient snack for kids.
- Babybel Cheese: Babybel cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also a convenient snack that can be eaten on the go.
- Juice Boxes and Protein Drinks: Purchase them i bulk before you leave. Juice boxes are always a hit. The right Protein drinks can act as a quick meal replacement when you are on the go.
Looking for a few more ideas this Video is Great for DIY Healthy Travel Foods
There are so many food options and all you have to do is a little planning to assure you have healthy travel snacks ready to go.