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8 Great Tips for Healthy Snacks

Packing convenient, healthy snacks is a struggle for many of us. Fast food and junk foods are all too tempting when traveling or in a hurry. Unfortunately, those fatty, sugary, greasy foods often deplete our energy and can make us feel rundown. At Eat, Heal, Travel, we want to help you plan ahead to ensure fruits, veggies, and protein-rich foods are easily accessible for you and your family at all times. Whether you’re traveling, packing lunches, or simply needing snack options for daily life – here are quick tips for wellness-packed snacks to satisfy your nutritional needs.

• Nourishment: Wash, chop, and prepare individual servings of vitamin-rich fruits or vegetables in small containers for quick access. We like to pour a small amount dressing in the bottom of a mason jar then add carrot sticks with the tips in the dressing. You may also prepare layered salads or a blend of fruits in the jars. Store jars in the refrigerator for a grab-and-go snack.
• Stamina: Protein-packed foods like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and lean meats are excellent choices for snacking and packed lunches. Also, consider plant proteins including seeds, nuts, and beans. If you’re on the road and stuck with convenience store options, choose the bag of raw almonds or other healthy nuts opposed to a bag of chips with empty calories.
• Hydration: We often think we are hungry for a snack when we actually in need of water. Water is something to enjoy frequently when on the go or traveling, especially during times of warm weather. In addition to drinking clean water on hot days, choose water-rich vegetables like carrots, eggplant, celery, and cucumbers to support hydration.
• Fuel: Unexpected delays and roadblocks happen, so keep snacks in your purse or car. Protein bars are excellent for appeasing your appetite and easy to eat with one hand. For some people, protein shakes may also do the trick for fueling energy or meal replacements when in a rush.
• Liveliness: Add hot, spicy snacks when you need a lift. Red peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, for which studies say could increase both energy and boost your metabolism.
• Digestion: It’s stressful to feel hungry. Choose healthy, filling foods to enhance digestion. High-fiber foods can help heal the digestive tract when traveling or under stress. Healthy choices include asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and leafy greens.
• Cravings: Delicious meals and healthy snacks satisfy the mind and body. Consider nutritious snacks that taste great when paired together. Carrots or cucumbers dipped in hummus are always a tasty combo, or enjoy yummy peanut butter on celery for a satisfying blend of flavors.
• Convenience: Can’t be bothered by utensils when snacking or traveling? Get a vitamin boost by packing apples, bananas, oranges, or a bag of bitesize strawberries, blueberries, or cherries.

We hope these tips will inspire you and your children to eat well, live long, and travel far!

Be sure to let us know via Twitter or Facebook how you like to keep healthy when life gets hectic.