It can be hard to stay healthy on the road. Truck stops consist mainly of fast food restaurants, most of which offer few healthy options while favoring hydrogenated oils and trans fats. Touring a new city is no better, as traveling often necessitates eating out, making it nearly impossible to stick to your diet.
Bringing your own healthy snacks is an easy way stave off hunger and stay in budget. Plus, the right snacks will give you a much-needed boost of energy and deliver nutrients you might otherwise be missing while driving. Regardless of whether you’re on a restricted diet or just looking to eat well, here are five healthy travel snacks you have to try.
Roasted Seaweed
Seaweed snacks are light, healthy, and most importantly, delicious. Not sure if you like seaweed? If you’ve ever enjoyed a California roll, then this snack is for you. Even better, seaweed is loaded with nutrients and has serious health benefits. According to Berkeley Wellness, seaweed contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B and K. Plus, it’s filled with calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and iodine. Best of all, seaweed farming is highly sustainable and has a minimal impact on the environment. Next time you need a satisfying travel snack, try Gimme Organic’s Roasted Seaweed Snacks. Available in five different flavors, including Teriyaki, Sea Salt and Wasabi, these snacks deliver the perfect amount of umami, making them both delicious and highly addictive.
Hummus with Carrots and Pita
A day of hiking calls for a substantial snack. Before you hit the trail, plan ahead: Pack a small backpack with a container of hummus, a bag of baby carrots, and a package of whole wheat pitas. This terrific trio is hearty enough to serve as a light lunch on your active outing.
Chickpea Puffs
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs are perfect for the traveler who loves snack food but is trying to stay healthy. A take on traditional cheesy puffs, the star ingredient in this snack is the humble chickpea — a low-calorie, nutritive source of protein and fiber. The puffs are baked, not fried, and contain three grams of fiber and four grams of protein for every one-ounce serving. Plus, as a gluten-free, soy-free and vegan snack, they’re perfect for anyone on a restricted diet. The organic puffs come in four different flavors ranging from Sriracha Sunshine to Bohemian Barbecue, but our favorite is the Vegan White Cheddar. And the best news is you can find them in most airport stores in the U.S.
Mushroom Jerky
Forget beef jerky, it’s time to try mushroom jerky. A popular snack on the health-food scene, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky has all the flavor and none of the fat of traditional meat jerky. Made with shitake mushrooms, this vegan jerky is becoming a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. According to the Wall Street Journal, the chew factor in both meat and meatless jerky may contribute to the rising popularity of the snack. Since the simple act of masticating may alleviate hunger, the chewy nature of jerky makes for a satisfying snack. Pan’s most popular flavor is Zesty Thai, which in addition to its main staple of shitake mushrooms, contains organic spices, avocado oil and chia seeds.
Dried Plums
Dried plums are known for their fiber, but they also make a sweet, antioxidant-packed snack on the go. Perfectly portable, they're even available individually wrapped, which keeps them extra moist. Take some along when you're shopping or running errands. These chewy treats are a good source of vitamins A and B6.
Homemade Energy Bites
If you’d like to avoid processed foods altogether, consider making a travel snack at home. No baking is required to make energy bites, a homemade snack which consists mainly of whole foods and can be customized to your taste and dietary restrictions. The recipe on Living Well Mom uses the traditional ingredients of peanut butter and dates, while also adding in oats, chia seeds and dairy-free chocolate chips. To make, combine ingredients in a food processor, roll into bite-sized balls and pack in a reusable plastic bag or container. If you make a big batch, store extra in the freezer to grab whenever you need a quick snack on the go.
Mushroom Coffee
Can't survive with your coffee when you're on the road? Instead of spending money at the overprice airport Starbucks or filling up on sugary lattes at your hotel, bring along Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee. With all the benefits of coffee's focusing caffeine power without the jitters, this drink can help you acclimate to a new time zone or survive a long plane ride. Plus it's delicious. Their single-use travel packets are the perfect and healthy way to bring your morning buzz with you.
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