Summer has arrived, and chances are you’re heading out of town for some fun and relaxation. Vacations are a great time to get away from it all, but that doesn’t mean you have to take a break from all of your healthy habits! Whether you’re sightseeing, shopping, or lying on the beach or poolside, going on a road trip or flying to your destination, you want to keep your energy level up so you can optimize your fun time. Bringing along some water and a few easy, healthy snacks will keep you hydrated and help you maintain steady blood sugar levels, keeping you off of the blood sugar roller coaster and feeling good. So when you’re packing your bags, include some food! Here are a few ideas:
, via Wikimedia Commons
Erin Hugus, MS, CN has a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University. Erin is an expert in Diabetes care and is passionate about empowering people with realistic strategies for optimal health. She takes great pleasure in her time spent in the kitchen and loves cooking nourishing meals for her family.
- Zing Bars. Easy to toss in your carry-on, backpack, or purse, just unwrap and enjoy when hunger strikes. You know you’ll be getting a perfect balance of slow-digesting carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep you going. Gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, or vegan? We’ve got you covered. Have you tried the Dark Chocolate Sunflower Mint or Coconut Cashew Crisp? Yum!
- Trail Mix. Of course you can buy trail mix, but making your own mix is fun and easy, especially if your grocery store has a good bulk food section. Read the ingredients listed on the bulk bins, and choose raw nuts and seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit (or sweetened with fruit juice) without additives like vegetable oil and sulfur dioxide.
- Toasted coconut flakes. Look for a product with just ‘coconut’ in the ingredients. A delicious snack on its own, and also a great addition to your homemade trail mix!
- Nut Butter and dried figs. When hunger strikes, you’ll be happy to grab some dried figs and a squeeze pack of almond or peanut butter from your snack bag. A delicious, satisfying combination.
- Jerky. A very portable source of protein. Look for jerky made from grass-fed or pastured animals that is minimally processed, without added preservatives or MSG. Or, you can make your own – here’s a recipe that uses ground beef, a cheaper alternative to other cuts of beef.
- Roasted Chick Peas. A portable source of vegetarian protein; roasting chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) is easy and delicious. Here are 15 Ways To Flavor Roasted Chickpeas.
- Roll-ups. Such a versatile snack (or mini-meal), and easy to eat on the go. For the wrapper, use a whole-wheat or gluten-free tortilla, collard greens, or quality deli meat slices (cut thicker). Spread some hummus or pesto on the wrapper, add your favorite fillings (i.e. avocado, shredded carrot, zucchini, radishes, apples, spinach, cheese, black or pinto beans, etc.) and roll up.
- Cut-up carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, celery, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes
- Slices of watermelon and cantaloupe
- Cheese and whole grain crackers
Erin Hugus, MS, CN has a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University. Erin is an expert in Diabetes care and is passionate about empowering people with realistic strategies for optimal health. She takes great pleasure in her time spent in the kitchen and loves cooking nourishing meals for her family.
