The Ultimate Guide to Packing Healthy Travel Food
Last updated on September 14th, 2023
For many of us Canadians, traveling is a crucial part of our lifestyle. It’s probably why the first quarter alone of 2021 recorded 26.7 million domestic trips. Canadian fitness enthusiasts and food-conscious folks pack some convenience foods during their travels to maintain a healthy diet. But in truth, packing food for a short or long trip can be pretty daunting if you have no idea what to do. Fortunately, there are simple ways to simplify the process, including the following.
1. Dried fruits, nuts, and seeds
In reality, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds fall under the snacks category due to their convenience. Moreover, one important thing you will be grateful for during a long trip is having snacks. Indeed, you could have chosen candies, cookies, and other unhealthy snacks. However, because the focus is on healthy snacking, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits make the cut. You may want to exercise caution when packing nuts and seeds, especially since some are known to trigger allergies.
These healthy dried fruits, nuts, and seeds contain beneficial fats useful to the human body. Moreover, you will feel fuller for longer due to the high fiber content. This will come of great use if you are unsure about the food quality at your destination. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about them going bad, especially if you packed your snack choice into airtight containers. They’re easily accessible and a superfood on demand.
2. Pack easy-to-cook foods
Spaghetti, noodles, and pasta are examples of easy-to-cook foods. They’re usually packaged with seasoning strips that take five to ten minutes to cook. These easy-to-cook foods are handy, especially when staying in self-catering holiday accommodation. Furthermore, most of these meals come in cans, packets, and other convenient packaging options. An example is the bronze cut pasta which comes in packs you can easily fit into your hand luggage.
Frozen-ready meals are another option since they are easy to prepare. All you have to do is heat it and eat it. They also contain all the nutrients you need for a healthy meal, including vegetables and sides, so there is no need for further preparation or chopping. You can check out some of the best frozen Chinese food in various serving sizes, giving you different alternatives based on your hunger and mood.
Here, the idea is to cook your food. One downside of traveling is not knowing where to find good and healthy food. However, by thinking ahead, you would have saved yourself from the trouble of restaurant searching. Remember that convenience is the guiding principle here.
3. Bulk up on protein
Naturally, protein foods are more filling and satiating. It is classified as a macronutrient with a significant impact on specific hormones in the body. Ghrelin and leptin are hormones associated with hunger and appetite. While leptin decreases your appetite, ghrelin does the exact opposite. So, how does protein impact these two hormones? First, because protein is highly satiating, it triggers your body’s leptin production. This means protein suppresses ghrelin for a longer period, keeping you fuller for longer. So, if you’re traveling, it would be a good idea to bulk up on your protein foods. Examples are peanut butter, vacuumed packed tuna, protein water, low sugar protein bars, etc. Indeed, the options are countless.
Hopefully, now you have a fair idea of healthy travel foods you can easily pack. They don’t have to be perishable foods that add to travel stress. So, while you’re away, you can still stay fit and healthy.
