Nutritional Snacks For Traveling

It isn’t always easy to eat healthy meals and snacks when traveling. Fast food and vending machines may be convenient, but the fare they offer can undo your weight-loss program and often the food is high in fat, but low in nutrients. You should eat when traveling because your body will need energy to fight off fatigue. The best way to avoid hunger and the urge to grab a fat laden burger or a bag of greasy chips from a vending machine is to plan ahead and pack your own snacks. Fewer airlines and practically no rail companies provide in-transit meals. The meals that are provided are usually highly processed foods laden with chemical preservatives. The best alternative is to bring your own food. Check with your travel agent or transportation provider to make sure the snacks you want to bring on mass transit are permitted before you leave home. Drink plenty of water before you begin your trip and stash a few bottles of water in your carry-on baggage. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue and headache. 

Pack a few apples, oranges, whole peaches and grapes for your trip. These fruits travel well and will keep fresh for hours in plastic containers or a soft-side lunch box. Wash your fruits thoroughly and dry them before placing them in plastic containers or in a lunch box. Don’t slice or peel the fruits, but plan to eat the fruit whole. Oranges can be peeled and separated into slices before placing them in a container. 

Granola and nuts travel well and won’t spoil during long trips. Pick up a box of granola or granola and fruit bars on your way to the airport or train station. Granola and nuts are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are essential to healthy cell function. Granola and nuts contain heart-healthy fats that your body needs to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and minerals. Select whole nuts and granola bars with whole grains, such as oats, for maximum nutrition. Always eat a healthy breakfast before you travel. Eating breakfast will prevent mid-morning hunger and the temptation to indulge in sweet rolls or donuts. Limit your caffeine consumption. Caffeine can increase your heart rate and make you feel fatigued after the caffeine wears off. 

When staying in a hotel, bring bottled water, fresh fruit and whole-grain crackers to the hotel. High fiber crackers and cookies make a filling and healthy late-night snack and can help you avoid the temptation to order room service food. Try to avoid ordering fast food or room service during your trip. Many fast food menus contain foods that are high in saturated fat and calories, but offer little in nutrition. Bring a bag of fresh, raw vegetables along for the trip. Carrots, celery and broccoli travel well in plastic containers.