Eating organic food while on the go can be difficult, but it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When traveling or commuting, relying on fast food or prepackaged snacks high in calories, preservatives, and artificial ingredients is common. However, enjoying healthy and organic snacks while on the go is possible with some planning and preparation. Vikki Gerrard, La Crosse, WI, shares tips on how to eat organic food while traveling.
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Plan Ahead
One of the most important things you can do is to plan. Research the places you’ll visit and locate grocery stores or health food shops. This will allow you to stock up on healthy snacks that are organic and nutrient-rich.
Nuts, seeds, fruit, and protein bars are great options that are easy to pack and carry around.
Prepare Your Snacks In Advance
Preparing your organic snacks for your trip is crucial. This way, you control what you eat, ensuring it is organic and fresh. For instance, you can make your own granola bars, fruit salads, or roasted nuts.
This also allows you to portion your snacks according to your dietary needs. Plus, you’ll save money by not buying prepackaged snacks.
Look For Healthy Options When Eating Out
When eating out, try to look for healthy and organic meal options. Many restaurants have started offering healthier alternatives to fast food and greasy meals.
Look for grilled, baked, or roasted options, including fresh veggies and protein. It’s always a good idea to ask the waiter about the meal’s ingredients.
Choose Organic And Fresh Produce
Select fresh and organic produce that is easy to carry while traveling. For instance, fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges are easy to carry and make great snacks.
Vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumbers, and celery are also great for travel. Choosing organic produce prevents preservatives and chemicals often found in conventional products.
Pack Healthy Snacks In Reusable Containers
Using reusable containers is an eco-friendly and practical way to pack your snacks. They are durable and easy to clean. Plus, they keep your snacks fresh for a long time.
You can use glass, metal, or plastic containers. Just make sure they are BPA-free and microwave-safe.
Carry A Small Cooler Bag
A small cooler bag is essential for traveling with perishable snacks. It keeps your snacks fresh and cool for extended periods. Whenever possible, use reusable ice packs instead of disposable ones. This is an eco-friendly option that helps to reduce waste.
Research Organic Food Options In The Area
Before you travel, research the organic food options available in the area. This will help you plan your meals, and you can even make reservations or order online. You can use websites such as Organic Restaurants or Yelp to find organic food options in the area.
If there are no organic options, look for farmer’s markets, food co-ops, and health stores that carry organic products.
Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for your overall health, especially while traveling. Avoid sugary drinks or energy drinks that can dehydrate you. Instead, carry a refillable water bottle and fill it up whenever possible.
In addition to water, you can pack organic herbal teas or coconut water for a refreshing and healthy drink.
Pre-Cut Your Fruits And Veggies
Fresh fruits are an excellent source of nutrition and energy on the go, but they can be tricky to prepare when you’re in transit. That’s why taking time to cut and pack your favorite fruit and veggies in bite-sized servings is always a great idea. This way, you’ll have some pre-cut snacks in hand.
Add Protein To Your Snacks
Adding protein to your snacks can help keep hunger at bay and prevent cravings. Nuts, seeds, hummus, boiled eggs, organic cheese, and protein bars are all great snack options. They can be added to your regular snacks or enjoyed on their own for an extra energy boost.
Don’t Forget About Indulging
While it’s essential to stick to your organic eating plan, indulging in a few unhealthy snacks and treats during your travels is okay. Just ensure you keep it to a minimum and always opt for quality snacks. For example, if you’re craving chocolate, look for organic dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
Pack Portable Utensils
Traveling with portable utensils can save you time and money by allowing you to enjoy your meals where and when you’d like. You can bring a set of reusable utensils like a fork, knife, spoon, and straw.
Not only will you support the environment by using less plastic, but you’ll also be prepared for any on-the-go snacking.
Conclusion – Traveling With Healthy Snacks
Eating organic might seem challenging, but it’s possible even when traveling. Vikki Gerrard, La Crosse, WI, believes that with some pre-planning, research, and good packing strategies, you can stay true to your healthy eating plan and enjoy your travels. Enjoy the journey and always opt for the best healthy snack options available.
