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healthy travel snacks

The Holiday season is closing in, which means airplanes, long drives or perhaps even vacationing where the weather is warmer.

No matter where you’re going, you can’t escape the literally sugar-coated temptations that surround you at every rest stop and gas station. When you’re traveling, it’s easy to go overboard on the processed junk simply out of desperation.

Check out these tips to ward off unhealthy snacking, and to help you practice healthier habits!

  1. Rather than stopping at the gas station for food, head to the grocery store. The extra time it takes will be far worth it, especially since you won’t be left feeling bloated or tired like you would from candy or chips. Pick up carrots and hummus, nuts, fruit, or even a salad from the salad bar for a more nourishing option.
  2. Don’t ignore your hunger in the attempt to “save” your calories. You may be driving home to a big dinner, but if you don’t regulate your blood sugar during the drive, you’re far more likely to overeat when you finally do sit down to the table. Even an apple and a cheese stick mid-afternoon will help you enjoy your dinner without regret.
  3. Drink lots of water. Especially if you’re flying! It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday craziness and forget to drink, but water is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Not only will it help prevent your skin from drying out on the dry airplanes, it wards of unnecessary hunger, and may even help prevent jet lag. So don’t forget your reusable water bottle!

Options for travel-friendly perishable foods:

  • Vegetables like carrots and broccoli
  • Hard boiled eggs (pre peeled!)
  • Pre-cooked roasted sweet potatoes
  • Meats like shrimp, chicken or beef pre-cut into strips
  • Single serving packs of guacamole
  • Slices of cheeses
  • Pre-made salad (yes, you can get this through security with dressing on!)

Options for travel-friendly “no fridge” necessary foods:

  • Bars like RXBAR, Larabars, or Square Bars
  • Nuts and seeds (or pre-made trail mixes)
  • Dried or freeze-dried fruit (dried mango or apple chips)
  • Individual packets of almond butter or peanut butter
  • Tunafish (in a pouch, not a can!)
  • Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, avocados or oranges

No matter where you go this holiday season, bring along a few of your favorite healthy snacks. I promise, it’ll make the trip a lot easier!