Is it just you or does it seem like normal eating “rules” go out of the window when you are on a road trip?
Suddenly, it becomes acceptable to have ice cream for dinner, and snacks before breakfast. The choices that are given at retail or convenience stores, and fast-food chains along the way leave you feeling like it is fine to eat unhealthily while on the road, because what other options are available?
If you are fortunate, you will find a banana or two to grab along with your packet of potato chips so you feel a bit less guilty, but you are only fooling yourself. Mostly, you are left to opt from a slew of brightly colored candies and treats that will leave your body feeling totally zapped of any nutrients
And this could not come at a worse time. Your body is already running low on energy since all you have been doing is sitting in the same spot for hours. Add some sugary food on top, and you will be missing out on a whole lot of road trip adventures.
So how can one keep this from happening? How can you keep from spiralling down the dark tunnel of unhealthy road food?
Dietitian Avni Kaul is here to help you get some healthy snacks to eat while you are travelling that will keep you feeling full, nourished, and able to enjoy the overall journey. Here, eminent Dietitian, Avni Kaul shares the best healthy travel snacks to have.
Popcorn
Popcorn is an excellent source of fiber and complex carbohydrates that will assist your body stay regular, and gives you energy while on the trip
Make certain you are not having microwave popcorn that is full of chemicals. Rather grab one from the natural foods store that has ingredients of simply corn, salt, and oil.
Even better if you are able to pop some on the stove at home using olive oil or butter and some salt. In that manner, you know exactly what you are getting.
Hard-boiled eggs
These little eggs are not just easy to prepare, they are simple to store and easy to consume on the road. They are fairly mess-free and are full of protein that your body requires while on the road. For a few added crunch and the perks of some quality complex carbohydrates add some whole wheat crackers to your egg snack for the perfect roadside trip.
Carrots
Though carrots have fiber in them and other great nutritional value, one of the main reasons to suggest this as a road trip snack is because mostly when on the road, you find yourself wanting to eat merely because you are bored. So, rather than fill that boredom through unhealthy snacks, gorge on some carrots that will take you a while to eat, and will keep you busy without creating a mess.
Grapes
Just like carrots, grapes are a top choice when you are bored and want to eat something. Nutritious, clean, and simple-to-eat grapes will assist stave off boredom. Simply, do not go overboard with grapes they do contain a lot of sugar.
Yogurt
Complete protein with Greek yogurt. This small snack is full of it and will support keep you full until your next meal. Top your Greek yogurt having some nuts or fruits for extra fiber and energy.
Pistachios
The protein found from these nuts is plant-based, and they are also rich full of unsaturated fats and fiber. Not to say they are much lower in terms of calories compared to nuts. Pistachios weigh in at merely 4 calories per nut, while Brazil nuts have 33 calories each.
Walnuts
Apart from pistachios — walnuts are also, great for their own reasons. They contain the highest amount of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids when compared with every other nut, which will assist you to stay full for a longer amount of time.
Sunflower seeds
You can never be wrong with any sort of nuts or seeds while traveling but sunflower seeds are specifically, great because they are high in healthy fats and well magnesium, which assists your heart health.
