With airlines cutting back, one area that has been curtailed severely is airline food. What used to be a freebie is now unavailable, or if it is available, it is often expensive and unappealing. Also, with more flights having interim stops, travel times have become longer and it may be a stretch before you can get a full meal. For those of you who travel by train, Amtrak occasionally has a food car, but, again, the selection is limited. So, for those of you looking to stay fortified while you travel, here are eight ideas for snacks to bring with you.
Nuts
Nuts are a super snack because they are portable, don’t need refrigeration and can give you a protein boost. Many airlines give you a bag of peanuts, but they are often over-salted or sweetened. Our favorites include almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts. Mix up a few kinds in a zip-style plastic bag and you will be snacking in healthy style.
Popcorn
Air popped popcorn is a lightweight and low calorie snack. It also makes the in-flight movie a little more fun. Make it ahead of time in your own air popper or use a microwave-style pack. Go for the unbuttered and low-salt variety to avoid greasy hands.
Carrot Sticks
Carrot sticks are great for their satisfying crunch and sweet flavor. They are also high in Vitamin A and beta-carotene. You can buy pre-packed carrot sticks in single serving size or just make your own by peeling and cutting into strips.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Eggs provide a good boost of protein and can be very portable in a hardboiled form. Boil ahead of time at home and then peel the number of eggs you want and slip into a plastic baggie. Now wasn’t that easy?
Roll Ups
A roll up is a general term for anything put into a tortilla and rolled up. There is a variety of tortilla choices, but flour are the easiest to work with. Gourmet tortilla flavors like spinach and red pepper can add great flavor. The option for fillings is as varied as an individual’s taste. Great go-to fillings include a layer of cream cheese topped with a few slices of lean deli meat and a few leaves of lettuce. A tasty vegetarian option is a layer of hummus or baba ghanoush (eggplant spread) with some feta cheese and lettuce. Peanut butter and jelly can be a sweet treat when layered into a wheat tortilla. Whatever your filling choice, secure your roll up with plastic wrap, and a napkin and have you have a tasty and portable snack.
Granola Bars
Sweet to savory, granola bars are easy to tuck into your carry-on. Depending on your needs, you can find varieties that are high in protein, lower in fat, or chock full of nuts and fruits.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a great snack because it is portable, doesn’t need any kind of refrigeration and is also lighter than carrying the fruit in its original state. There is a large selection of dehydrated fruit out there, including apples, bananas, apricots and mango.
With these eight suggestions, you will be armed with great snacks for your next trip. The only problem is those sitting next to you might get jealous. Sharing is totally optional!
