Stay hydrated and full with these healthy snacks that are perfect for traveling
Food is one of the most important factors when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. There is often a negative association with the word diet. We think about tiny portions, bland food and crazy fads. And often diets are short term solutions. I know I don’t know anyone who has lost weight fast by going on a trendy diet and maintained it. So, let’s not talk about diet. Let’s talk about nutrition. Making sure you are getting the right balance in what you eat is hugely important in maintaining your health. Even those with a healthy weight can be at risk of chronic diseases and ill health because they are not getting the nutrients they need. It’s a journey, not a sprint and we need to view healthy eating as a lifestyle, not a short-term action. And that is why it can be so difficult to maintain a healthy diet while traveling, especially while at the airport. Because traveling is inherently short term. We are only going to be at the airport for a few hours, we are only going to be on this business trip for a few days… And we convince ourselves that it’s ok to break from our healthy routine for that short time. But when you are a frequent traveler all those times add up fast and you end up putting your health at risk.
We have put together a list of 15 healthy snacks that are perfect for traveling. We separated them into two lists, hydrating snacks and filling snacks. So whether you are worried about your water intake or how to stay full and avoid plane food on your next trip we’ve got an option for you!
Best snacks for staying hydrated.
Staying hydrated can be a real challenge while traveling. Liquids and air travel are not two things that go well together in my mind. Airports are starting to wake up to the need with more and more free refillable water stations appearing post-security, but we still have a long way to go. Here are the 8 best hydrating snacks to bring with you next time you fly.
1. Watermelon
Watermelons are one of the most refreshing fruits, they are 92% water! But they are also full of nutrients, you will get vitamin A, B6 and C with every juicy bite. And did you know you can eat the entire fruit, skin and all?
2. Bananas
Not the first fruit you think of when listing refreshing fruits but bananas are about 74% water. Bananas also have high levels of potassium which is great for a healthy heart and your blood pressure.
3. Radishes
One of the most water-rich vegetables, radishes are over 95% water! They are a great option for a healthy and hydrating snack because they contain a lot less sugar than the fruits on the list.
4. Strawberries
For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, strawberries are a great option. They contain 92% water and are a high source of vitamin C. Rich in antioxidants, strawberries are great for a healthy heart and controlling blood sugar levels.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are closely related to watermelon and it’s no surprise when you think about how refreshing they are. Cucumbers are over 95% water, low in calories and high in nutrients and a great snack to travel with as they produce zero waste.
7. Tomatoes
Another great option for traveling as you can eat the skin and all, tomatoes are 94% water and a rich source of antioxidants and potassium. Cherry tomatoes are a travel favourite here at Sanctifly as they are snack size.
8. Cantaloupe
Rich in fibre, vitamin C and potassium, eating cantaloupe is extremely beneficial for your health. They are 90% water and are a great option for staying hydrated while traveling.
Best snacks for filling you up.
What’s one of the worst things about traveling? The time it takes up! Whether you’ve got a 6-hour layover, a 2-hour flight or even a 3-hour train ride, while on the road there can be a long time between healthy eating options. Especially when traveling late at night, fast food spots or pre-packaged, processed food options are all that are available. Here are the 8 best filling snacks to help you survive your next layover.
9. Almonds
Almonds are a high-fat food but don’t worry it’s all good fat! They are also a great source of fibre and protein which are great for helping you feel full. One of the best nuts for traveling as you don’t have to worry about disposing of any shells.
10. Peanut butter
Another nut-based food to help you stay full while traveling. High in potassium, fibre and protein, peanut butter has many health benefits. But be careful which brand you pick up. Some peanut butters are overly processed and contain added sugar.
11. Celery sticks with cream cheese
This delicious snacks solves two problems in one, stay hydrated from the celery and full from the cream cheese. Cream cheese is high in fat so it is important not to overindulge. A good tip is to use whipped cream cheese instead as it contains less fat and fewer calories.
12. Hummus and veggies
Another chance to solve two problems frequent travelers face, stay hydrated and full at the same time with this great snack. Hummus is a great filling snack and packed with vitamins and minerals that are vital for maintaining a healthy diet.
13. Overnight oats
Although this snack is a bit more work it is guaranteed to keep you full on any long haul flight. Mix oats, chia seeds, nut butter and a milk of your choice together in a jar and leave in the fridge overnight. Grab it before you head to the airport and you have a snack to keep you full and help you avoid awful airplane food.
14. Granola bars
A firm travel favourite here at Sanctifly because they are filling, nutritious and easy to pack. Same as peanut butter though, be careful what brand you pick up as some a heavily sweetened. You can also easily make your own granola bars at home!
15. Avocado / Guacamole
Not your average grab and go snack but a great one to help you stay full while traveling. Now eating an avocado with a spoon doesn’t sound overly appealing, at least not to me so I like to make guacamole instead. Pack some carrot and celery sticks to dip and you’ve got the perfect snack to keep you full.
16. Dark chocolate
A bit of an indulgence but something you need a treat right? Dark chocolate is a great way to starve though chocolate cravings and stay full for longer. Because it is so rich, you are less inclined to eat it in one go and instead can space it out for a long-lasting snack.
Maintaining your healthy lifestyle is all about sticking to a routine and building healthy habits. That’s where Sanctifly comes in. Get exclusive access to airport hotel gyms, pools and spas without booking a room, plus access to hundreds of airport lounges with showers. Get your membership today for as little as $99. Visit https://www.sanctifly.club/membership-types to get your membership today.