No matter where you’re headed, these snacks will help make the trip a little tastier. Photo: Pichost.me
Trying to eat healthy when you’re on the road can be a huge challenge. Oftentimes it means crumbly granola bars and a whole lot of airport/ gas station fast food; neither of which leave you feeling great by the time you reach your destination. If you’re on a long distance flight, unfortunately you have even less to look forward too…airplane meals aren’t what they used to be, especially in coach. Here’s a couple ideas for pack away snacks that will keep you feeling good and ready to hit the ground as soon as you arrive.
Clementines
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These little guys are a juicy and refreshing snack that are the perfect size to pack in your carry on. The peel keeps them clean and protects them from damage, and they give you a nice boost of vitamin C to fend off colds and flus that are all too common in airports and airplanes.
Nuts and Berries
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You can get little trail mix packs of these at almost every grocery store, but my favorite to pack for a long flight is Trader Joe’s “Handful of Simply Almonds, Cashews, and Cranberries Trek Mix.” You can buy in a big bag or a pack of smaller travel sized bags. The simple mix keeps good through any temperature, and the protein packed snack can be a real lifesaver when you’re in a pinch for food on the road.
Cheddar, crackers, and apple slices
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This is a really satisfying but simple snack. It covers all the bases- salty, crunch, and sweet. Cheddar is a good cheese option to keep the funky cheese smell to a minimum, but no doubt jack or provolone would be good choices as well. The picture above is pretty gourmet, but you can pack a similar Tupperware with the same combination of snacks.
Chocolate-covered almonds
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Chocolate-covered almonds are a tasty treat to pack on the plane. They’ll satisfy both sweet and savory cravings, and they’ll give you a little energy boost for when you arrive. Plus, they’re super easy to pack and don’t make a mess. Much better than a half melted $10 airport snickers bar.
Dried mango
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Dried mango tastes like candy, and it has a comparable amount of sugar, but it has a little boost of Vitamin A and lacks the chemicals and dyes present in most candies. It will definitely satisfy your sweetness craving, but consider opting for a “no sugar added” variety if you’re looking to moderate your sugar intake.
Avocado Sandwich
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An avocado toast sandwich packs great, and the healthy fat in the avocado will keep you full for the whole flight. Toast the bread ahead of time, and add a generous amount of avocado. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (I recommend lemon pepper). You’ll be excited to pull out this snack halfway through the flight.
Sugar Snap Peas
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These greens make a great snack anytime, and they’re delicious both on their own and with hummus or dip. Plus, you can throw them in your bag without worrying they’ll get crushed. They have just a touch of sweetness with an added crunch.
Roasted Chickpeas
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If you’re looking for a crunchy snack slightly lower in calories and fat than nuts, roasted chickpeas are a great option. They come in a wide variety of flavors from curry to cayenne, and you can easily pack them in a Ziploc bag.
Instant oatmeal
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Oatmeal is the ultimate comfort breakfast food, but it’s tasty at any time of the day. Plus, it will warm you up on a chilly flight. Bring instant oats and just ask a flight attendant for some hot water. This snack will keep you full for hours, and leave you feeling like you just ate a hearty meal.
Carrots, celery, and peanut butter
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This is a great snack for quick flights. The carrots and celery won’t stay good forever, but they offer a crisp and refreshing snack for a shorter travel day. Look for little packages of peanut butter or pack a scoop in a small tupperware. The PB will add a little protein and flavor to this veggie snack.
