Nutritious Snacks for Your Summer Road Trip

The kids are out of school, summer is approaching and that means family vacations and road trips! My family recently took a twelve-hour road trip to the Midwest and I’d love to share my tips for eating healthy on the road. Everyone has been there, set out for a long drive, possibly with kids in tow, and nothing to munch on but some salty pretzels and maybe a power bar; the thought of pulling over for some fast food hits you at every billboard.

It’s not that packing healthy food is that difficult, it’s just the last thing on your mind when you’ve got to make sure you haven’t forgotten any important luggage or special vacation equipment. I know our vehicles are usually filled to the brim with suitcases, kid’s toys, car seats, strollers, etc. Food bags take up a lot of room! However, don’t let your healthy habits escape you at the beginning of your trip or it will only set you off on the wrong foot for the rest of your vacation.

Plan to make room for a small cooler and a few food bags. The good news is that once you get there, the food will likely be gone so it won’t take up space the entire trip! Hearty snacks can keep you satisfied throughout the trip and we all love to snack, especially when we are bored in the car and looking to pass the time. Snacking also can benefit the driver since a big heavy meal would only cause him to become drowsy. Little bits of food throughout the day will help keep everyone alert and occupied. Hopefully it will prevent you from going through the drive-through too. Just make sure the food is healthy! 

These snacks can be easily prepared before you hit the road so you’ll be saving not just your health, but time and money too!

Hummus & Raw Veggies

Low calorie, high crunch, this snack is perfect for staying awake and much healthier than chips & dips.

Lara Bars

These energy bars have no preservatives, no added sugar or sodium and contain the simplest of ingredients- mostly unsweetened fruit and nuts. They offer tasty flavors such as apple pie, banana bread, cinnamon roll, key lime pie. Something for everyone!

Fruit Salad

Spending 5 minutes to throw together some berries, grapes, cut peaches, apples (whatever is in season) is so worth it. If you don’t have anything else healthy to eat, at least you’ll have fruit.

Cheese sticks

They come in more of a variety than just string cheese. You can find cheddar, a mix of mozzarella and cheddar, low fat cheese, etc. Perfect to eat while driving and they are prepackaged and ready to go!

Nuts

Nuts are easy to munch on, good for you and satisfying due to their high protein and fat content. Go with the raw nuts and you’ll save yourself from any added sodium.

Half a sandwich

Obviously great for a meal, but also for a substantial snack- pack some peanut or almond butter sandwiches or ham or turkey with hummus and cheese on whole grain bread. I like cutting mine into four squares so that you can have a smaller potion if needed.

Hard-boiled eggs

A great portable source of protein and they come packaged! You can boil them the week before your trip so that you’re prepared.

Popcorn

Pop some up the night before- this high fiber, whole grain snack is low in calories and will please the whole family.

Granola

This high-energy snack can pack a lot of calories and sugar. It’s best to make it homemade where you can control the sugar and bump up the dried fruit and grains. You can snack on it dry or add milk in the morning for a quick breakfast. Check out this easy granola recipe. 

Jerky

Not just beef anymore, you can get turkey, buffalo even salmon jerky (from specialty markets). High protein this will help keep you satisfied and give you something to chew on.

Pack smart, portable food for your healthy road trip snacks and drive safe!