Planning an upcoming trip and worried that it might wreck your diet? Don’t fret! All that hard work doesn’t have to go to waste if you think and plan ahead. One of the most dependable and easiest ways to ensure you stick to your goals is to pack your own snacks. Having a healthy treat within arm’s reach can help you avoid temptation and stay on track. But what exactly should you bring? Check our ten favorites below!
Dried Fruit
It’s no secret that fruit is a healthy snack, but dried fruit takes it to a whole new level. If you munch on the right kind, dried fruit may just be your secret to avoiding temptation. Making homemade dried fruit is as simple as popping sliced pieces into a dehydrator or even the oven. Finding healthy store-bought dried fruit is a little more difficult. Be sure to shop organic and look for varieties with no added sugar. Fruit is sweet enough on its own!
Guacamole
Guacamole is a wonderful snack, no matter where you are. Unfortunately, too many people don’t realize that it can easily be taken on the go. Whether you buy it in pre-packaged containers, already made, or make it yourself and take it on the go, you really can’t go wrong. You can even bring avocadoes with you and then quickly mash it up for an all-natural and nutrient-loaded snack. Plus, it’s loaded with all the healthy fats your body wants and needs!
Jerky
For whatever reason, jerky has gotten a bad rap. But the reality is that it actually makes for a healthy, protein-rich snack. Plus, it’s perfect to take with you wherever you go! Although the crispy texture may remind you of some of your more unhealthy favorites, it’s truly just dehydrated meat. This meaty snack is a great way to fill up while consuming fewer calories. Plus, it tastes delicious!
String Cheese
If you have a way to keep snacks cold, a great go-to road trip treat is cheese. The only thing better than cheese is a piece of cheese that’s fun to eat! String cheese is a great snack for calorie-conscious travelers who want the nutrients of cheese but tend to go a little overboard in terms of serving size. Just unwrap one stick, and you’re good to go!
Unsalted Nuts
Another great snack you can enjoy in the car is unsalted nuts. Whether you select peanuts, cashews, almonds, or another favorite, nuts are an easy way to fill up without feelings guilty. Just be sure to look for raw, organic nuts, and you’ll soon be indulging in a snack loaded with healthy fat, antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. If you aren’t exactly a fan of raw nuts, try nut butter! You can even use it as a healthy dip with fresh vegetables. Besides, peanut butter was recently named one of America’s ten favorite foods!
Hummus
Hummus is a Middle-Eastern dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. When you select a version made only with those all-natural ingredients and a few extras like roasted red peppers, you’re nourishing your body with healthy fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals. While we think hummus is good enough to eat by itself, it’s best enjoyed with raw vegetables like carrots or snow peas. You can make your own hummus, or you can buy pre-packaged versions, just be sure to check the ingredient label!
Snack Bars
When you make a trip to the grocery store, you get bombarded with snack bars that claim to be healthy and loaded with natural ingredients. Your best bet is to stick to KIND Bars, Lara Bars, or read the ingredient list to be sure you’re not consuming unnecessary ingredients or added sugar. The fewer the ingredients, the better!
Popcorn
Often, a road trip will suddenly have you craving salty or crunchy snacks like never before. Instead of reaching for those greasy snacks that will have you bloated in no time, try munching on popcorn instead. Plain popcorn is loaded with fiber, whole grains, and antioxidants and you can easily feel satisfied after just one or two servings!
Crackers
Speaking of something crispy, crackers aren’t entirely off the list. If you can’t give up the need to have that familiar crunch, aim for whole grain crackers made with nuts and seeds. That way you’re filling up on healthy nutrients and fiber, in order to keep you fuller for longer.
Dark Chocolate
Alright, so this last one may require quite a bit of self-control. If you’re the type that can’t stand the thought of a chocolate bar sitting in the car next to you untouched, perhaps it wouldn’t be such a good idea to bring one along. However, if you can practice a fair amount of self-control and eat just one serving at a time, there are a lot of benefits to munching on dark chocolate.
Try to find dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao, or else you’ll be consuming too much sugar. You can put together a treat like these chocolate filled strawberries, or simply break pieces off a bar and pop them directly into your mouth. According to Authority Nutrition, dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and can potentially help with both cholesterol and blood pressure.