We all fall victim to opening a bag of chips or going for what’s hot at the servo when we hit the road. And packing healthy snacks might seem like a real hassle. But fear not, it’s much easier than you think.
Level up your road trip with these 10 healthy road trip snack ideas. They’re ready at your convenience and they’ll reduce the temptation to binge at the servo or roadside takeaway.
Some of the snack ideas take a little prep. Others can be bought at the supermarket and packed in the car the night before you go.
Healthy snack ideas for your next road trip
1. Dried fruit
Dried fruit is a controversial figure in the healthy snack category. Some nutritionists say it’s healthy, while some claim it’s no better than a bag of lollies. It really depends on what you buy. Stay away from products with added sugars. Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with almonds, apricots, prunes, dates, and raisins. These goodies are packed with micronutrients, fibre and antioxidants.
The bonus? One piece of dried fruit contains more fibre, vitamins and minerals than fresh fruit. And you don’t have to worry about fresh fruit going off in the car either.
2. Raw nuts
Raw nuts are good for the mind, body and soul with lots of health benefits. They’re packed with healthy fats, fibre, and protein, and they’re a major source of vital nutrients and antioxidants. Studies have shown they can lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar as well.
Eating them with no added ingredients, such as salt, is the healthiest way to enjoy your favourite nuts. Roasted nuts have slightly more fat and calories per gram, but the difference is minimal.
3. Cheese and crackers
Eaten in moderation, cheese and crackers can be a delicious healthy snack. You just need to make sure you choose the right types.
Whole-grain crackers, for example, provide beneficial fibre. Cheese can help you get the recommended amounts of calcium and phosphorus in your diet.
4. Carrots, celery and hummus
Due to their high water content, carrots and celery are two of the best low-calorie veggies out there.
Pairing them up with protein and fibre-rich hummus makes for an all-star snack if you don’t want to throw away all that hard-earned work at the gym.
5. Sweet potato chips
Ok, ok, what’s a road trip without chips for the journey? If you’re going to dive into a bag of chips, then we don’t blame you.
Maybe consider some healthier options here though and try to avoid starch-laden snacks such as French fries, baked goods with fried cheese, or white potato chips – especially the extra salty ones!
Sweet potato chips are a great source of vitamin A and provide more fibre than a comparable serving of ‘traditional’ chips.
6. Bliss balls
There are the salt cravings and then there’s the sugar cravings! Bliss balls are a clever way to satiate your sugar cravings. Made right, they’re full of healthy ingredients, and they can give you a boost of energy for that next driving stretch.
Bliss balls will require a little prep before you leave though. Here are some bliss ball recipes to get you drooling
7. Turkey sandwiches
A turkey sandwich is number one on the list of healthy sandwiches to make and pack for a trip. They require some prep time the night before you leave, but they’re well worth the effort.
A turkey sandwich contains less fat than most other meats and is rich in protein and potassium, needed for strong muscles. It gives us needed zinc – for a healthy immune system – and niacin, which helps lower cholesterol.
8. Whole grain wraps
If a turkey sandwich isn’t your thing, then consider a whole-wheat wrap. Whole-wheat wraps make for a better choice versus plain flour wraps. Just make sure you look for products listed as 100% whole wheat. If the first ingredient is whole-wheat, stone-ground whole-wheat, or 100% whole-wheat then you’re on the right track.
A bit of planning and meal prep is required, but enjoy a delish wrap down by the river on one of your lunch stops.
9. Brown rice sushi
If you need some to fill you up, then consider sushi made with brown rice. Why brown rice you say?
Well, brown rice sushi is the healthier and more nutritious choice versus white rice. Brown rice can reduce the risk of diabetes, because it’s a wholegrain food and a source of fibre, which has an impact on your blood sugar levels.
10. Chia puddings
These little puds are great if you need to ‘be up at sparrow’ and on the road to your road trip destination. They make for a perfect healthy breakfast which is essential if you want to start your trip on the right foot.
They double as a snack on the go too, plus, they’re creamy, satisfying and loaded with protein, fibre and omega-3s.
There you go! Ten healthy snacks to keep you energised on your next road trip. Save the servo for petrol and toilet stops, and feel less guilt with some healthy snacks to keep you alert.
If you’d like to chat more about nutrition and eating healthy, then talk to our Personal Trainers today. They can help get you on the right path to fitness and healthy eating.
Author Bio
Ben has been writing about tech, finance and health and fitness for almost 10 years. When he’s away from the keyboard, you might spot him in the surf on Victoria’s south-west coast, where he calls home.