Traveling with children can be challenging. Snacks can provide a distraction when your children get bored or restless. Offering nutritious snacks will help ensure that even while away from home, your children are getting the nutrients they need. Michael P. Zimring and Lisa Iannucci report in their book, "Healthy Travel: Don't Travel Without It," that before starting any journey, stock up on healthy snack options.
Raisins
The goal with healthy travel snacks is to make sure they are easy to transport and easy to eat without making a mess. Raisins fit the bill because they supply fiber and potassium and are mess-free. Pack a couple of individual packages of raisins in each of your child's carry-on luggage or in an easy-to-reach place in the car. When hunger strikes, pass them a box of raisins to help keep them busy.
Breakfast Cereal
Breakfast cereal choices can be low in sugar and high in fiber, which will help keep your child full for longer periods of time. Most children enjoy breakfast cereal without milk and individual serving size boxes are easy to pack and eat, William Gray notes in his book, "Travel with Kids." Encourage your child to pick several of your approved options and keep them handy while traveling. An alternative is to fill individual zip-top bags with cereal and pack two or three for each child.
Fruit
Whole fruit is simple to pack and easy to eat. Fruit is also a good travel choice because it ensures your children get some nutrition between eating meals on the go. Pack a few different choices, such as bananas, oranges, apples, peaches and grapes. Wash the fruit ahead of time so they are ready to eat when your children complain of hunger. To make snack time easier, consider peeling and segmenting the oranges or slicing apples or peaches ahead of time. Make sure to bring a trash bag for disposing of the sticky leftovers.
Cereal Bars
Cereal bars come in many different varieties that your children are likely to enjoy. Gray recommends finding low-sugar options to help keep your children from experiencing a blood sugar spike and to provide more nutrition. Whole-wheat varieties with real fruit are nutritious choices. You can make your own by combining creamy peanut butter with a few large marshmallows and a squeeze of honey. Heat until melted and stir in whole-wheat and low-sugar cereal and press into a baking pan. Cool, cut into squares and pack in zip-top bags.
References
- "Healthy Travel: Don't Travel Without It"; Michael P. Zimring and Lisa Iannucci; 2005
- "Travel with Kids"; William Gray; 2008
Member Comments