Healthy Snacking While Traveling: A Complete Guide
Healthy Snacking While Traveling, Making it Work!
Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. You get to break out of your daily routine and experience new things. You get to explore new locations while enjoying the local flavors that you come across on your trip. In addition, there’s an unwritten rule that allows you to throw your healthy eating habits out the window. You not only get to taste new foods, but you’re also able to eat your favorite snacks while on the road. Let’s see how you can eat healthy snacks on the road and keep up with the good times!
While there’s really nothing wrong with indulging your stomach now and then, it’s not advisable to indulge too much if you want to enjoy your vacation to the fullest AND go home without gaining a lot of extra weight. The good news is that you can actually enjoy a healthy diet and healthy snacking even when you’re traveling. With a healthy diet, you’ll be able to have all the energy you need to fully enjoy your trip. Healthy eating habits will also prevent you from getting sick while on the road. Of course, eating healthy isn’t going to be easy without proper preparation, especially when it comes to snacks. That is why this short guide is created on healthy snacking foods for your travels which includes some tips on what to eat and when to eat.
Never start the day on an empty stomach
One of the most important rules on healthy snacking while on a trip is to make sure to eat a complete meal before going out. Traveling on an empty stomach can force you to eat whatever’s convenient which most likely means fast food or gas station snacks. Not only are these foods convenient, but they’re also cheap and won’t affect your budget. However, these convenient food choices are loaded with processed ingredients and sugar. With a full stomach, on the other hand, you’ll have all the energy you’ll need to explore your new surroundings. Plus, you will stick to healthy eating habits while you’re at it
Pack snacks for the day
Of course, you never know how much energy you’ll be using up while on your trip. This means that you need to be prepared for those times when hunger or thirst unexpectedly strikes. That’s why, aside from starting your day with a full stomach, you should also pack some snacks.
Healthy snack ideas to pack for your travels
Fresh or dried fruits
Fresh fruit such as apples, grapes, oranges, and bananas. If fresh fruit isn’t convenient for you, dried fruit snacks are a good alternative. Look for seasonal fruit, ideally organic. Even when on the road, there usually is a market or a store that will sell some fruit. Enjoy exploring local fruits such as tropical fruits from street stands in tropical areas. Europe will have plenty berries in the summer, and the Mediterranean will have plenty stone fruit in the summer.
Nuts and seeds
Another good snack option is nuts and/or seeds. You can mix different types to create your very own trail mix. You can even add some organic dried fruit to add some sweetness. Munching on this snack is not only convenient, but it can also easily stave off hunger AND provide you with enough energy to continue on your journey. Eating a few nuts and seeds with your fruit is great as you get some fat to help digest some good fat unable vitamins. Walnuts and almonds are a long time favorite.
Energy balls with dates
As its name implies, energy balls can provide you with a lot of energy. There are several types of bliss balls and all of them are quite easy to make. If you don’t have time to do so, you can buy them from a store instead. We recommend you go for date-based energy balls because they’re typically grain-free and refined sugar-free. More importantly, dates are a good source of vitamins and minerals. In addition, it also contains soluble fiber which is great for your digestive system AND keeps you feeling full longer.
Carrot and celery sticks
Obviously, carrots and celery sticks are good for your health. They’re a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also quite easy to prepare. Plus, both veggies are low-calorie healthy snacking foods. What more could you ask for?
Dark Chocolate
Let’s be honest. Chocolate is a delicious treat that most of us can’t get enough of. However, not all types of chocolate are good for you. Except for dark chocolate, of course. Aside from being low in sugar compared to other types of chocolate, it is rich in flavanols which are good for your heart. It is also high in fiber which makes it more filling. More importantly, it enhances your mood which will help you enjoy your trip more.
Stay hydrated
Sometimes, we mistake our thirst for hunger pangs which causes us to indulge in unnecessary snacking. Staying hydrated will keep you feeling full as well as energized. Water is the best hydration. Veggie juices are great too, smoothies and water rich fruit such as watermelon.
It’s important to know if you are dehydrated, as it can cause other problems like headaches and Fatigue which can ruin your trip.
Consider splitting serving sizes (if possible)
Experiencing new things is one of the best things about travel. So, you can’t really avoid trying out new foods and cuisines that you come across on your trip whether it’s healthy or not. However, to avoid eating too many unhealthy foods, you can consider splitting a serving between you and your companions. This way, you don’t miss out on the experience.
Treat yourself and try new foods
Of course, it’s not always possible to split servings. And it’s not always advisable to deny yourself food that you really want to try. It might affect your mood during your travels. If you really want to try out the food, it’s alright to do so, even if it’s not following your healthy eating habits. Just try to make up for it by making sure to eat something healthy next time or walking more during the day. Not only that, but there are plenty healthy snacks on the road. Exotic fruits and vegetables, healthy street food and fun juices and smoothies. Mix it up!
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