REVVED UP ROADTRIPS: 5 MUST HAVE SNACKS TO KEEP YOUR SUMMER ROADTRIP FUELED

It’s that time of year again. As we move into August, it’s time for our cars to cruise around the country. Families far and near are shuffling kids, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and grandmas into the car for the famous family road trip vacation. But when your vacation – and your family – crams into one car, it’s hard to find portable food that you can also feel good about giving your family.

So check out these 5 super convenient snacks for your summer road trip. They’re fit for tots, teens, and parents alike, and most importantly, they’ll withstand 70 miles per hour, potty pit-stops, and backseat fights.

1)      Refillable water bottle. Don’t let road time dehydrate you. Stay hydrated and pass on disposable water bottles by bringing along a refillable water bottle (or maybe even a few depending on the size of your entourage). Our bodies are actually made up of 60% water, meaning even the slightest water deficit can lead to mild dehydration, and as a result, can drain your energy and make you feel tired. While there is no magic formula for water intake for everyone, the Institute of Medicine recommends men should consume roughly 13 cups of total beverages per day, while women should consume nine.

2)      Hummus and whole-wheat pita. Only 15% of Americans are consuming enough grains, and even fewer are consuming enough whole grains. Pack yourself a container of ready-made hummus (easy to find in your local grocery store) with some whole-wheat pita chips for dipping, and you’ll quickly begin to close that gap. The heart healthy fats in hummus and the heart healthy fiber in the pita are sure to be a win for everyone on board.

3)      Low-fat string cheese. You may have thought long-gone were the days of childhood string cheese, but dietitians are bringing it back. String cheese is not only a fun, healthful snack for kids, but it’s a filling and delicious one for adults too! These childhood treats contain calcium and protein in a low-fat package. Pack a few sticks for the road in an insulated lunch bag for an easy and fresh portable snack.

4)      Fruit and Veggie Snack Packs. Easy to tote and delicious to munch, fruit and veggie snack packs are a key ingredient to a healthy road trip. Swing by your local grocery store on your way out of town, and pack your insulated lunch bag with pre-packed snacks of apples, carrots, or cantaloupe. Or you can save on packaging and money by packing your own in resealable plastic baggies before heading out.

5)      Sunflower seeds. Get your salty snack fix with these little gems, and because they’re rich in a number of nutrients, you’ll also get a fistful-packed dose of zinc, magnesium, fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats. The fact that you can grab them at most gas stations too makes life that much sweeter.

Now that you have your summer road trip snacks prepared, you’re ready to head out on a road-bound vacation you can truly feel good about.

Meet the Author

Barbara Fine

Barbara Fine

Barbara Fine is a registered dietitian who works full time at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois in pediatrics. Barbara also consults private clients at Evanston Athletic Club and is a coach at Chicago Public Schools for the Fuel up to Play 60 program. Ms. Fine is one of two media representatives for the Illinois Dietetic Association. Barbara is interested in using nutrition to prevent diseases and specializes in Pediatrics, weight loss, diabetes, vegetarian/vegan, and heart health. Physical activity/fitness is important to Barbara which is one of the reasons she obtained a personal training certificate from the American College of Sports Medicine. Barbara is passionate about nutrition and wants to spread the word about the importance of good nutrition.
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1 Comment

  1. Nicci Brown Nicci Brown on August 25, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Great tips, Barb! It’s so hard to get creative with on-the-go food, but I loved everything you came up with. Makes me want to go get some string cheese for my daily commute!