Are you planning a trip with your family? Between choosing a destination and packing, you barely have time to gather snacks. You want to find nutritious treats as well. Consider the following healthy snacks for your next adventure.
Snack Bars
These are easy to grab and place in your backpack. Plus, they are less messy for your kids to eat. Snack bars are rich in fiber and protein, which can reduce constipation and help with weight loss. Some cereal bars, such as Nutri-Grain, are fruit-flavored. Apple, strawberry, and blueberry are common options.
Crackers
Crackers are easy to place into a reusable container. When choosing crackers, look for ones with whole grains and no added sugar. These types of crackers are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Consider throwing in some cheese and fruit as well. If you want to make it even more enticing for your kids, buy some animal crackers.
A Variety of Fruit
Slice up some fresh fruit for the car ride. Fruit contains a high amount of fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants. Eating fruit also lowers the risk of heart disease and cancer. Here are some fruits you may want to pack:
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Apple slices
- Kiwi
- Strawberries
Dry Cereal Packs
Place some of your kid’s favorite cereals inside a plastic bag. This is a perfect early morning snack when you don’t have time to make breakfast. Some cereals contain fiber and B vitamins. Although, many kids’ cereals are full of added sugars. So, find ones where whole-grain oats are the dominant ingredient. You can even mix it up and add more than one cereal in the pack.
Nuts
Nuts are convenient and crunchy snacks. They provide protein and essential nutrients such as Vitamin E and magnesium. Plus, nuts are the perfect light snack to have before dinner. There are a variety of nuts to choose from, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews. Have your kids try a few different kinds to see which is their favorite.
Banana Pecan Bread
Do your children love bananas? This recipe is a healthy twist on one of their go-to snacks. It provides their body with fiber and energy. In addition, it has nutrients that are good for their heart.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is an easy snack to put together. Make it healthy by adding dry cereal, almonds, dried fruit, and raisins. Some trail mixes contain protein and heart-healthy fats. You can even add some chocolate chips to make it more appealing for your younger kids. To reduce your calorie intake, consider a smaller portion size of about 1/4 cup.
Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of dairy and is rich in calcium and B vitamins. Some yogurt can even have digestion benefits. Add berries on top to make the treat even healthier. Plus, yogurts come in an already sealed container you can easily place in your bag.
Hummus and Veggies
Hummus is high in many essential nutrients, including fiber and protein. It also can help fight inflammation and control blood sugar levels. To encourage your kids to eat their vegetables, cut up some carrots or bell peppers. Plus, your kids will enjoy a snack they can eat with their hands. You can also substitute whole-wheat crackers for the veggies.
Popcorn
This treat isn’t just for the movie theater. It’s the perfect snack for sitting at a park or hanging out at a hotel. Popcorn is high in fiber and antioxidants. In addition, it has whole grains that prevent the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Just limit the amount of butter and salt you add, which can increase the calorie count.
Snacks for Your Next Road Trip
When traveling with kids, you usually need to carry treats. Although, with so much else to do, it can be tough to find easy and healthy options. Review this list of treats the next time your family heads out for the day.
