As you know, it’s important to not let your travel plans get in the way of your fitness goals. But what about your diet? The best option for traveling is to bring your own meals and snacks, at least for the airport. However, no matter how prepared you may try to be, there will always be a time when planning ahead and bringing snacks just can’t happen. Here are some options covering the best healthy food at the airport to help you stay on track.
- Trail Mix: Choose the ones with just nuts and fruit, and make sure you only eat one portion at a time. One handful = one serving. (One serving is 1/4 cup, roughly 200 calories.)
- Smoothies: With a little searching, you can usually find a Jamba Juice or another smoothie joint. Ask for one with more vegetables than fruit and <20 grams of sugar (no added sugar). Be sure to add protein to help keep you full longer!
- Starbucks Bistro Boxes: It’s important to notice these are usually full meals in terms of calories, not snacks. However, it’s a great choice if you’re stuck in the airport during mealtimes or to bring with you on the plane.
- Salads with grilled protein: This is always an okay option when you must eat at a restaurant. Opt out of the croutons, cheese, and bacon and measure out 1 tablespoon (about your thumb size) of dressing. Choose all the non-starchy vegetables you want!
As for those snacks to bring from home? Good options include whole fruit, mixed nuts and seeds and cut-up veggies, which can go a long way in saving calories and money while in transit. As an easy and inexpensive meal, bring a sandwich on whole grain bread or an “adult lunchable” with cheese, hummus, veggies and a hard boiled egg!
Related: to schedule a free consultation with a registered dietitian at FFC, click here!
Post written by FFC Oak Park Registered Dietitian Amy Silver.
