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This post has been in the works for quite a while. Why does it take me so long to write a blog post? Kids. That’s my excuse. Infant, check. Toddler, check. Puppy, check! So if you ever think I am slacking in the blogging department, you’re probably right. You’re always welcome to reach out to me directly, however. I am easier to get ahold of, and depending on your question, I may end up blogging about the answer (in general, don’t worry I won’t call you out personally for something!)
So, I’ve been wanting to compile a list of foods that are staples when I travel (especially on the weekends I have to report for duty). They’re easy to take with you when you’re out and about running errands or on a road trip.
The next time you hear someone say, “I’m too busy to eat healthy,” or better yet, “I didn’t have time to eat!” you can send them this list, and you won’t hear them use that excuse ever again (actually you might, eh probably will, but at least now you don’t have to feel bad for them)!
Sure, fast food is easy and a bag of chips is convenient, but if you plan ahead, eating healthy does not have to be time consuming or difficult. I’ll admit it does take some planning, but nothing more than your weekly trip to the grocery store.
Once you know what foods will actually nourish your body it’s easy to keep them on hand. So here is a list of my go to snacks that I always carry in my bag. I rotate them out, so that I don’t get tired of eating one.
1. Lara Bars – simple, yet delicious. It’s hard to go wrong with fruit and nuts. There is a Mint Chocolate Chip flavor… it’s like dessert! Now they even some with veggies (Fruits & Greens). Our family actually goes through so many of them that we have a case on our Amazon Prime auto ship. Here’s a link for a variety pack. http://amzn.to/2z5wnDO
2. Munk Packs – these little gems are amazing! Whoever thought squeeze packs were just for kids had it completely wrong. Munk Packs are oatmeal squeeze packs that come in four or five flavors. Some of them have, quinoa, fruits and other yummy goodness mixed in. This is one that I have to keep on hand for my daughter… and myself. http://amzn.to/2zVEkik
3. Chia Packs – these aren’t the most filling squeeze pack snacks but they are delicious and nutritious. Although the sugar content initially seems high, if you take a look at the ingredients you’ll see it’s all naturally occurring sugars. I don’t like to focus on only one nutrient (i.e. fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals) that is offered by a food, but it’s hard not to when it comes to chia seeds. They’re full of a variety of nutrients, including omega-3s, fiber and protein, just to name a few. Here’s the link for a 4-flavor variety pack, that way you can try the flavors they offer. http://amzn.to/2hZmNv7
4. Trail Mix – when it comes to a mix of nuts and berries I’m sometimes hesitant. Many of the trail mixes I’ve tried are either too sweet or too salty. I like this one because it doesn’t have any added sugar or salt. The cacao nibs give it the chocolatey taste you’d otherwise miss in a trail mix, but without the guilt (damn M&M’s). https://goo.gl/6mV6Y2
5. Go Raw – I love this brand! They have some great snack options. Their Sprouted Flax Snax and Sprouted Bites are great for grab and go occasions. They’re made from sprouted seeds, so I don’t feel guilty eating more than one…bag. Not to mention their flavor varieties are out of this world! Want spicy? They have you covered. Sweet tooth? They even have a flavor for you! https://www.goraw.com/
6. Bean and Rice Chips – When you’re traveling who doesn’t get tempted by a drive-thru where you can order some salty fries to tie you over? Well, try these chips made by Beanfields. They’re a yummy (filling) snack, again, without the guilt. They are made without corn or any high allergen ingredients, making them suitable for (almost) everyone. There are different flavors, but what can I say, I’m a creature of habit, and the Sea Salt (is the only one I’ve tried) is my favorite. I have to be careful that I don’t eat an entire bag in one sitting! Tip: they’re also great to have around the house with some avocado. http://www.beanfieldssnacks.com/our-snacks/
7. Morning Rounds – I think of these as on the go breakfast snacks. Ozery Bakery uses grains and fruit to make a breakfast bun, or how I like to describe them, flat English Muffins. They’re yummy on their own or you can toast them and add almond butter – my favorite! They even making Snacking Rounds, which are smaller versions – great for toddlers. http://ozerybakery.com/us-en/our-products/
8. Brad’s Veggie Chips (Kale) – I know what you’re probably thinking, kale chips? Gag me! …but hear me out. They’re made with herbs and spices. My toddler used to eat them, and I didn’t even have to bribe her. She would ask for them, but I think she is kind of burnt out on them now (she ate A LOT!). Greens are hard to factor in to busy schedules or when you are traveling, so this is the perfect solution, now you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition or taste! https://bradsplantbased.com/shop/chips/veggie-chips-kale-12-pack/
9. Freeze Dried Fruit (& Veggies) – Such a great snack to have on hand, albeit they can get a little expensive. As with most things it depends on the brand/quality and the type of food you’re consuming. I love the strawberries and bananas, and for vegetables, the peas and corn are as my daughter would say, “yummy in my tummy.” Nature’s All Foods brand has been a hit in our house. In addition to freeze dried fruit and veggies, fresh fruit is my typical go to. Apples, bananas, pears, and oranges are all convenient travel foods.
10. Single Serving Almond Butter – There are a lot of brands to choose from, and even more flavor varieties, so you have to find one that fits your preference. Almond butter is great for its protein content, which is going to contribute to fullness, and also its healthy fat content. I could eat almond butter by the spoonful – yes, I think it’s that good. I love eating apples with almond butter, and apples are easy to throw in a bag, either whole or cut into slices.
Now that I have compiled my list, I would love to hear your feedback. Have you tried any of these snacks? What are your go to travel foods?
Please note, while this is a summary of easy foods to take with you on the go, the focus here is convenience. I prefer fresh, whole foods, but when you don’t have the convenience of your own kitchen and supplies while traveling, these are great alternatives, until you can reach your destination or find a store/restaurant that suits your needs.
