Though there’s never a good time to be hungry, being hungry while traveling is an especially bad time. When hungry, you’re more likely to be irritable, and this, in turn, can negatively impact your travel experience (hanger, anyone?). As you likely already know, having enough food in you can be the difference between a fun and not-so-fun family outing. Packing filling and nutritious snacks is one way to help your travels go smoothly this winter break!
To build a healthy snack that will promote prolonged satiety, I recommend including protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats in the mix whenever possible. See my suggestions below for energizing, healthy snacks that can easily accompany you on your travels. I have divided the list into “perishable” and “non-perishable” items to help suit your needs. If packing perishables, be sure to store them in a cooler bag with ice, especially if it will be two hours or more before you eat them.
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Perishable Snacks
1. Heaven and Earth Vegetable Medley Chips + High-Protein Dip
These colorful chips are made from cassava, taro, sweet potato, beetroot, and white carrot. Pair them with a mini hummus or black bean dip to get your protein and healthy fats in.
2. Absolutely! Grain Free Crackers or Flatbreads + Avocado + Hard-Boiled Egg + Everything Seasoning
If you’re looking for a gluten-free snack that will hold you over for hours, then this mini-meal is a great choice! Layer smashed avocado and a sliced hard-boiled egg on top of Absolutely! crackers or flatbreads for a satisfying snack. Top it off with a sprinkle of everything seasoning for extra flavor. Yum!
3. Triscuits + Haddar Guacamole + Cheese Stick
If you do not need to restrict gluten, you may consider pairing a fun Triscuit flavor (such as these chia seed, rosemary and jalapeno crackers) with Haddar guacamole. Add in a cheese stick for protein.
4. Peanut/Almond Butter + Banana Wraps
If you’re sick of sandwiches yet still want something portable, I recommend rolling up a whole wheat wrap (such as the ones from Trader Joe’s) with some peanut butter or Gefen Roasted Blanched Almond Butter and a banana. Think of it as a cylindrical sandwich! You can add jelly if you want more sweetness.
5. Yogurt Parfaits
Yogurt alone is often not enough to leave us feeling satisfied, however, when paired with granola and fruit, it can become more substantial. Crumble up a Gefen Oats N’ Honey Granola Bar, and layer it with yogurt, blueberries, and/or strawberries in a container or mason jar. Enjoy!
Non-Perishable Snacks
6. Fruits by Pesha Dehydrated Fruit + Mixed Nuts
Fruits by Pesha offers a variety of different dehydrated fruit options – including pineapple, mango, and watermelon! Pair this refreshing snack with a bag of individually-packaged mixed nuts for a filling, nutritious snack.
7. Honey Wheat Pretzels + Individual Peanut Butter Packets
Honey wheat pretzels are a classic and easy snack. If you pair pretzels with peanut butter, you will be able to wait longer before your next eating occurrence.
If you want a snack that has your carbs and protein packaged together for ease of travel, I highly recommend that you try Trader Joe’s ABC Bars. ABC stands for Almond Butter Cocoa, and yes, the combination tastes as great as it sounds! These bars happen to be gluten-free, but you would never guess it!
9. Make Your Own Popcorn Trail Mix
Did you know that popcorn is a whole grain? Take advantage of this fun fact by incorporating it into a travel trail mix. You can customize your snack mix to suit your preferences – you may consider adding peanuts, dark chocolate, and your favorite low-sugar cereal, to name a few ideas! When selecting your popcorn, I recommend keeping an eye on the Nutrition Facts label to be sure you are choosing an option that’s best for your nutrition needs.
10. Applesauce Pouch + Enjoy Life Protein Bites
Who says applesauce pouches only have to be for kids? These cinnamon applesauce pouches from Whole Foods look delicious. Also, Gogo Squeez offers apple, zucchini and strawberry pouches, if you’re looking for something different. Pair your applesauce with Enjoy Life Protein Bites, which come in sunseed butter and dipped banana flavors, for a tasty snack!
Wishing you safe, hanger-free travels this winter break!
