Vacations are a time to get away from it all, relax and thoroughly enjoy yourself. They’re also a time to cave into temptation, even if you have your heart set on maintaining eating healthy during your trip.
Inevitably, you end up eating too much, spending too much and regretting it later. Instead, plan healthy snacks to stay full. This way, you’ll find it much easier to stick to your budget and avoid temptation.
Cravings tend to fall into the sweet, salty or sweet and salty categories. When planning snacks, consider foods that fill you up as well as satisfy cravings. Look for foods with fiber, protein and flavor to keep you full in between meals.
1. Popcorn
Popcorn is low in calories, high in fiber and has a low glycemic index. Furthermore, popcorn is a whole grain that contains phenolic acids, an antioxidant. The fiber will keep you full and the salt will make it second nature to walk right by that amazing-smelling food stand.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are relatively low in calories but offer a healthy dose of protein, iron and fiber. They’re easy to make yourself and pack in small containers for later, but they’re also available in prepackaged bags, great for traveling.
3. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a decadent snack that is satisfying enough to curb your sweet tooth and hold off food cravings until dinnertime. The best part is that it offers both antioxidants and healthy fats. Pack a few bars of dark chocolate to break off a piece whenever you need a quick snack.
4. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is higher in calories than other healthy snacks, but it’s also yummy and highly satisfying. Two tablespoons of peanut butter coupled with something low in calories will keep you full and satisfied for hours. Plus, you’ll get some protein and healthy fats. Pair it with an apple or celery, or create a mini peanut butter, banana and Ritz cracker sandwich.
5. Trail Mix
Trail mix has all the ingredients necessary to get a quick supply of energy while satisfying hunger. If you’re making your own, you have any number of recipes to choose from, but the basic ingredients are nuts, seeds, dried fruit and granola combined with other ingredients like popcorn, dark chocolate, and, maybe, some candy.
6. Hummus
Already a favorite of millions of people, hummus is perfect with other healthy snacks, such as carrots, cauliflower and pretzels. Keep a container in a cooler or toss several to-go packs of hummus in your overnight bag.
7. Cottage Cheese
You’ll need a cooler for this snack, but cottage cheese is high in protein, filling and incredibly tasty when coupled with other foods. Some of the best foods to pair with cottage cheese include pineapples, dark chocolate chips, pistachios and grapes.
8. Fresh Nature Jim’s Sprouts or Nature Jim’s Sprouting Seeds
Hear us out—what if you could pump up any deli sandwich, to-go wrap or even leftover stir-fry with a flavorful, nutritious crunch? You can do this in one of two ways depending on the length of your trip.
For shorter excursions, pack fresh Nature Jim’s sprouts in a cooler or even a lunch box with an ice pack. Then, when you make the inevitable stop for sandwiches halfway through the trip, simply add a handful of sprouts. This instantly ups your fiber, protein and vitamin intake!
If you’ll be gone more than a few days, pack some Nature Jim’s sprouting seeds, a mason jar and a bit of cheesecloth. As soon as you’re settled in your hotel or vacation rental, start a batch of seeds in the jar. Within three days or so, you’ll have fresh Nature Jim’s sprouts to add to any to-go meals or leftovers you bring back to your room!
Taking the time to prepare healthy snacks before your trip will save you money while traveling, and it will also leave you with more energy and feeling overall better. When traveling, sampling local cuisine is often a highlight of the experience. However, indulging in rich or heavy foods for every meal can leave you feeling sluggish and tired.
About the Author
George Reynolds
Nature Jim's Sprouts Owner and CEO
Since 1996, George has been working hands on with all thing’s spouts, sprouting and sprouting seeds. He is also a natural health and well-being enthusiast who believes in the power of good health habits. George’s focus on healthy food, nutrition and exercise aligns perfectly with his many years of professional experience as the President of Nature Jim’s Sprouts and Reynolds Industries.
George firmly believes in the health benefits of sprouts and makes them a part of his daily diet. His favorite way to eat sprouts is raw and on sandwiches and salads.
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