Are you taking a trip this July 4th weekend? Heading to the beach? Visiting family?
You’ve probably already begun thinking about packing for your vacation. Maybe you’ve picked out the perfect outfit to rep the red, white, and blue on Wednesday. Or perhaps you’ve found the ultimate recipe for a delicious cake that radiates national pride. But even if you’ve already checked these items off your list, you might be missing one major detail: What will you snack on during the journey to your destination?
If you have some long travel days ahead of you, be sure to pack the following wholesome travel snacks that nutritionists recommend!
Strawberries
Sitting in the car for a while? You need these fiber-rich berries, and you won’t find them in a gas station. So bring your own! Strawberries offer tons vitamin C and antioxidants. Just keep them off the leather seats—these guys can stain the inside of your car.
Almonds
Offering a delicious combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, almonds contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and magnesium. Plus, they’re super easy to pack! Nuts won’t get crushed or spoil.
Protein bars
Dried fruit and nut bars are tasty, and healthy too! But some protein bars can pack on the added sugars. That’s why many nutritionists recommend RxBars. These bars include an extra bump of protein from egg whites, making them perfect for long travels.
Apples
This juicy fruit is filled with quercetin—a belly blasting fiber that also keeps your heart healthy. Snacking on apples will prevent blood sugar spikes and keep your stomach from rumbling too loud that even the people in the backseat can hear.
Fruit chips
Fruit chips make for a yummy, crunchy snack! But when you’re picking out which to purchase, it’s essential to read the ingredient list. Choose fruit chips that aren’t packed with tons of added sugars. My personal favorites include apple and banana chips.
Carrot sticks
Throw a bag of baby carrots into the bottom of your suitcase. Arguably one of the easiest vegetables to pack, carrot sticks are also filled with vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber.
Dark chocolate
Looking for something more indulgent? Instead of reaching for M&Ms or a Crunch bar, consider snacking on some dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that are good for your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the all-time best sources of antioxidants.
String cheese
String cheese is the perfect portable snack. You get carbs for energy from the milk, plus a good dose of protein and calcium. And who doesn’t love cheese?
Sources:
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/snacks/healthy/healthy-travel-snacks/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/revitalize-influencer-travel-snacks
https://www.eatthis.com/road-trip-snacks/
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/on-the-go/healthy-snacks-on-the-go/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-high-protein-snacks#section17
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270191.php
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate