Best Health Food Snacks for Road Trips

September 27th, 2009

Aside from, well, actual hunger, road trips are one of the biggest trap for getting the munchies. You’re stuck in one place, bored, and trying to stay awake, and watching the road is almost as bad as watching TV when it comes to accidental mindless eating. Sunflower seeds, cheese balls, M&Ms and Skittles all seem like the perfect road trip snacks to pop in your mouth as you speed down the highway. But they’re loaded with calories, bad for your teeth, and might make you feel sick if you eat too many. Lots of traditional healthy snacks are too hard to eat in the car, like yogurt, salad, and even crumbly granola bars, so where’s the balance?

Try prepping snacks before you go. Cut a banana in half and wrap it up to eat later in the car (an entire banana might make you feel gassy, or just too full and sleepy). You can also peel an orange or mandarin, and put the sections in a plastic bag. A half of a peanut butter sandwich will also help you feel satisfied and isn’t as hard to eat as a sandwich you pick up on the go, and air-popped popcorn stored in a plastic, zip-top bag also makes a good — but still healthy — snack when you get an attack of the munchies.

If you just love junk food, don’t bring the whole package. Instead, put a reasonable portion in a plastic container or bag so that you don’t eat the whole box or bag of chips and cookies. Make your own granola or snack mix by measuring out nuts, cereal, a few chocolate or sweet pieces, and dried fruit for variety and to get vitamins and healthy nutrients while you drive. As for beverages, water or vitamin-fortified water and juices will keep you hydrated, which in turn helps you stay energized and focused. Limit caffeine to avoid crashes, and choose diet soda and drinks over calorie-laden, sugar-filled drinks.

Gum is also a good "snack" that keeps your mouth busy and your mind awake if you’re having trouble staying alert, and could be a smart option after indulging in all those snacks.

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