With the summer finally here, we can start getting ready for those vacations we’ve been dreaming about all year. Long road trips, plane rides, mountain hikes and beach days can be full of adventure, but they also can make us exhausted –and hungry! While the cookies, chips and gummy bear isles can be the utmost tempting thing on the planet, getting the munchies while traveling can easily become healthier with these little fixes that will keep you full and fueled.
SMOOTHIES
Smoothies are packed with nutrients from fruits and veggies to keep you energized. According to One Green Planet, an online health resource, athletes have found that adding smoothies to your diet can increase your energy, decrease recovery time and lead to fewer aches and pains. Smoothies will keep you full between meals and help you recover from any strenuous activities during your travels.
EDAMAME
This nutrient-rich bean is a great travel snack that requires just a little prep. Boil the edamame for about ve minutes until they are soft, then strain them into a bowl to cool. You can season the edamame with salt, chili powder or whatever spice you want. After they are cool, make snack bags of these tasty bean pods for a protein boost. Just remember that this snack does have to be refrigerated.
MEAT JERKY
This snack is both healthy and delicious, but be sure to read the label if you want to stay clear of added sugars and excess sodium. Jerky is a great traveling snack because it does not have to be refrigerated, and you can slip it into your hiking backpack without worry of extra weight because of its thin packaging. The health bonus is that the high amount of protein in jerky makes it a smart snack to take no matter where you’re traveling.
SPARKLING WATER
It important to stay hydrated anytime you are traveling, but whenever you get a craving for something a little more flavorful, try some canned sparkling water. Brands like Spindrift sparkling water are flavored with real fruit, making them a much better alternative to sugary sodas, sweet teaor lemonade.
HOMEMADE TRAIL MIX
Trail mix is a no-brainer when it comes to traveling, but have you ever tried just making it yourself? Just gather together your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruits, and try to avoid the temptation of adding things like chocolates or candies to your trail mix. According to Consumer Reports, “While add-ins, from yogurt-coated raisins to wasabi peas, can be delicious, they displace the healthiest ingredients and don’t add many valuable nutrients themselves.”
COCONUT CHIPS
These are a naturally sweet snack to crunch on. If you want to make them yourself, buy some sliced coconut, toss them in a light oil like coconut oil and then bake them until they are crispy. You can store your chips in little baggies and stick them in your purse or backpack for a quick treat.
HUMMUS AND VEGGIES
Hummus is full of protein, tastes great with veggies and is naturally gluten-free. You can buy hummus in single serving packets or make your own with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Using veggies like celery and carrots as a vessel for this dip is a great way to avoid extra carbs and incorporate more veggies in your diet.
When it comes to choosing healthy snacks for traveling, don’t take the easy way out. Try to avoid those cheesy snacks and sugary treats that are readily available at gas stations, rest stops or even airport terminals. Instead, take an extra second and look for the non-processed, natural option. Munching on healthy snacks will have you feeling less hungry, healthier and prepared to tackle your next travel adventure!
