Road trips are a lot of fun. But if you’re not careful, all that time in the car can mean weight gain. You don’t want to spend your vacation worrying about your figure, do you?
That’s why we’ve put together this list of healthy snack ideas for your next road trip. Whether you’re heading out for a day or a week, these snacks will help you stay on track and feel your best. So pack up a few of these goodies and hit the open road!
1- Easy-to-Make Trail Mix
Start with a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. This will give you a good mixture of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Add in a little dark chocolate for some antioxidants, and there you go, an easy-to-make trail mix that will keep you going all day long.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients, either. If you’re not a fan of almonds, try pistachios or cashews instead. Mixing the flavors will keep your taste buds happy, and your body fueled up for the journey ahead.
2- Fresh Fruits for a Boost of Natural Energy
When you’re on the road, you need snacks that will boost your energy—without weighing you down. That’s why fresh fruits are a great option. They’re packed with natural sugars, fiber, and vitamins, which will help keep you feeling energized and refreshed.
Our favorite fresh fruits for road trips include apples, oranges, grapes, and watermelon. They’re easy to eat and store and won’t take up too much room in your bag. They’re all delicious options that will help you stay fueled up for the rest of your journey.
3- Air-Popped Popcorn Rather Than Chips
Regarding road trip snacks, air-popped popcorn is a healthier option than chips. Not only does it have a fraction of the calories, but it’s also high in fiber and low in fat. It’s the perfect snack to keep you going on your journey.
Plus, it’s easy to make. Simply pour the nuts into a brown paper bag, seal the bag, and microwave for two to three minutes on high. Once they’re popped, you can season them with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices.
4- Dried Seaweed for a Salty Crunch
Dried seaweed is a healthy and delicious way to get your salty crunch while on the road. Seaweed is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, essential for maintaining a healthy thyroid. It is the ideal snack for people who are managing their weight because it is minimal in calories and fat.
You can find dried seaweed in most health food stores, or you can make your own by drying sheets of nori in a dehydrator or oven. Be sure to store your dried seaweed in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
5- Portable Yogurt or a Yogurt Smoothie
A yogurt is an excellent option for a road trip snack because it’s packed with protein and calcium, and it’s easy to find yogurt that doesn’t have a lot of sugar. If you’re looking for something easy to eat on the go, you can buy individual yogurt cups or make your own yogurt smoothie.
Greek yogurt, which also has twice as much protein as ordinary yogurt, is what I suggest using if you’re creating a smoothie. You can add fruit, honey, and even some greens to your smoothie to make it a balanced snack. And if you’re looking for something different, try topping your yogurt with granola or nuts for some added crunch.
6- Nut Butter on Whole-Grain Crackers
This road trip snack will give you some sustained energy without weighing you down. Peanut butter or your favorite nut butter on whole-grain crackers is light but filling, and the healthy fats in the nut butter will help to keep you satisfied. If you’re worried about the mess, pack the nut butter and crackers separately and put them together when you’re ready to snack.
So, if you’re looking for healthy snack food ideas for your next road trip, here are six great options. Just be sure to pack them with you, so you’ll have them handy when you need them. Enjoy your trip!