Travels are fun but have their own problems. Many find traveling stressful. And when it comes to eating, it creates more issues. In order to make your trips smooth and stress free with no effect on healthy eating, here are some tips on travel foods.
Travelling: fun but stress
Holidays are fun. But traveling to the destination can give tension to many. There is so much to do and prepare before one actually travels. From booking tickets to packing and arranging things to take along with to worrying about foods to have during travels, it is stress all the way.
Often, one finds that nutrition suffers during long trips. You either get no food or food is not hygienic or food is not of your choice. So you end up not having much on the route. This adds to weakness and fatigue of travel. It makes many people sick. Also, overeating does not go well with traveling.
The best way out is to pack something light and healthy that one can munch on the trips. This will ensure health as well as a pleasant and smooth journey. Which are these best travel foods?
Best travel foods
Travel foods should be lighter, readily digestible, easy to absorb, healthier and with a longer shelf life. Here are some ideas on it.
Trail mix (Source: Eating bird food)Nuts and seeds
These are great for travels. Have your own trail mix made. Dietitian Toby Amidor says:
“I use whatever dried fruit, cereal, nuts, and seeds I have on hand,”
“Since a huge bag of trail mix usually has lots of calories, I divide it into single snack bags, so I don’t overdo it and have a perfect amount every time.”
Another dietitian Amy Goodson feels that pistachios are best. They are nutritious and convenient. According to her:
“With 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, these are the perfect snack for keeping me satisfied when traveling,”
“Plus, 90% of the fat found in pistachios is the better-for-you unsaturated kind.”
“The trio of protein, fiber, fat may help you feel fuller longer after snacking,”
Fresh fruits
Whole fruits or their cut pieces are ideal for journeys. They hydrate, provide nutrition and energy, are hygienic and easily available everywhere. Amy says:
“I’m all about eating foods with lots of nutrients to help keep my immune system strong while traveling,”
“Whole fruits like apples, strawberries, grapes, and bananas provide me with the nutrients to stay healthy and energized when on the go.”
Celery and carrot sticks (Source: Pinterest)She loves halo mandarins:
“Halos are rich in vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and each Halo mandarin is 45 calories and are hydrating because they are 85% water,”
Protein bars
These are healthy and nutritious. They are convenient to carry and consume on the go. Amy asserts:
“Protein bars can be a great solution for times when you are stuck on a tarmac, or didn’t get to grab a meal before you boarded the plane,”
“But make sure to look for bars with a good blend of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to help you stay satisfied in the air until you can get to your next meal.”
Celery, carrot sticks
Toby says:
“As 90% of Americans don’t meet their daily vegetable recommendations, I try to include them in my diet every opportunity I get,”
“When I’m taking a plane trip, I will pack sturdier veggies like celery and carrots that I can munch on during my trip.”
These have water, dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Beef jerky
Beef jerky (Source: Pinterest)For the non-vegetarian person, beef jerky is a good travel food. Amy explains:
“Protein is essential to help you get full faster and stay full longer. But considering how lots of proteins have to be kept hot or cold, they can be a challenge to travel with,”
Also, read The best foods and the worst foods for travels!
And she adds:
“Beef contains 10 essential nutrients including high-quality protein, selenium, zinc, and iron, making it a nutrient-rich snack for running through the airport or flying high in the sky,”