When I was younger I remember taking a road trip to California one summer. It was extremely long and boring and my sister was car sick pretty much the whole time, but this is usually what a road trip is like for a kid.
As an adult I have more fun on road trips. There is music and conversation, the fun stops and sites and best of all the snacks! Even though I fully believe in indulging and not feeling guilty about food, I also believe in balance and not going over bored to the point where you feel sick and unhealthy about what you eat.
So, in between those yummy cheeseburgers and milk shakes on the road pack some healthy snacks too. Not only is it healthier for you, but it will also save you money.
Here are some great snacks to take on your road trip this summer:
Perky Jerky
What I like best about this jerky is it doesn’t look or taste like a dog treat. It actually tastes good and is good for you. The reason I like the Perky Jerky brand is because it has very few ingredients, no nitrates, no msg, is lower in sugar, offers turkey as well as beef and it tastes less processed than other dehydrated meats.
Low Fat String Cheese
String cheese is the best! They go with everything whether it is Perky Jerky or an apple. You can get about 7 grams of protein with only 2.5 grams of fat per low fat string cheese so feel free to eat more then one.
Fruit
Summer is full of delicious fruit. Bring a bag of cherries and some apricots, cut up watermelon, berries and juicy peaches.
Nuts
Any kind of nuts is a great choice!
Make your own trail mix
A lot of store bought trail mixes are a lot higher in calories because there is a bunch of added oils, salt and sugar. Make your own taste just as good. Use any kind of nuts, dark chocolate chunks and a handful of dehydrated fruit or even better, use fresh blueberries. Store in a tupperware to keep the blueberries from getting smashed. To buy trail mix ingredients in bulk for an affordable price head over to Sprouts.
Snap Pea Crisps
Just to warn you these are addicting! My favorite flavor is the Cesar, but there are plenty of other flavors to choose from. These snap pea crisps are low in carbs and fat and high in fiber, 5 grams per serving! You should buy more than one bag though because they will be gone fast.
Popcorn
Popcorn is actually a very healthy snack if you are buying the right kind or making your own at home. If you are buying popcorn you should be able to identify every ingredient and make sure it is not too high in fat or sugar. Great brands are the Himalayan Pink popcorn (it has a Buddha on the front); my favorite flavor is the sweet and salty. Boom Chicka Pop and Skinny Pop are two other great brands.
Veggies and Hummus
It is easy to buy a bag of carrots or snap peas along with the individual sized hummus cups. These are perfect for road trips.
Dark Chocolate
Choose 50% dark or higher for a healthy sweet treat. My favorite is the 70% Lindt, it is creamy and not bitter.
Along with these healthy snacks make sure to pack some water and when you stop take a little walk as well to get the blood flowing through the body. Happy road trippin!