Whether it's a road trip or an afternoon of running errands, finding healthy snacks for the road can be a challenge. Gas stations and convenience stores tend to stock their shelves with highly processed junk food, like cookies, candy bars and sugary soda. Fortunately you don't have to let your health go by the wayside just because you're hitting the road. A number of portable healthy snacks can make your next trip a healthy one.
Nuts
Nuts like walnuts, cashews and peanuts are chock full of healthy nutrients, like unsaturated fats, magnesium and the fat soluble vitamin E. Regularly consuming nuts is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, reports a 2005 study published in "Current Diabetes Reports." You can easily pack a bag of nuts with you for your trip or grab some at a convenience store. Beware of nuts that are processed with added oil and salt, as these are less healthy than raw nuts without additives.
Yogurt
Yogurt is an on-the-go snack with a number of potential health benefits. Dairy products like yogurt are bursting with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D and riboflavin. A healthy diet that includes low-fat dairy products stave off chronic diseases like heart disease, gum disease and osteoporosis, the National Dairy Council states. Keep the yogurt in a cooler until it's time for your snack.
Whole-Grain Cereal
You can put whole-grain cereal into a plastic bag and eat it by the handful on the road. Whole-grain cereal is rich in nutrients like iron, dietary fiber and B vitamins. Eating whole grains can reduce Type 2 diabetes risk by 20 percent, reports research in the March 2003 "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society." Researchers found that people who ate at least four servings of whole grains per day were much less likely to become diabetic when compared with individuals that seldom ate whole grains.
Portable Produce
Portable produce options, like cherry tomatoes, celery, plums and bell peppers are an easy way to make a dent in your daily requirement of nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. If you meet this produce goal, you significantly cut your likelihood of developing macular degeneration, obesity and cancer, Harvard University School of Public Health reports.
References
- "Current Diabetes Reports"; The Impact of Nuts on Diabetes and Diabetes Risk; Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Ph.D.; May 2005
- National Dairy Council: Health & Wellness
- "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society";Epidemiological Support for the Protection of Whole Grains Against Diabetes; Maureen A. Murtaugh et al.; 2003
- Harvard School of Public Health: Vegetables and Fruits
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