How to Pack Healthy Food for Your Trip
Whether you are following a specific diet or just want to make sure you have better options than fast food, when you venture out into the great unknown, there is always healthy food to take with you. It’s easier than it sounds if you know a few tricks.
While it’s nice to chill out and try the local cuisine, it’s not always an option if you’re following a doctor’s prescribed diet or weight loss plan that can easily go astray after eating too many restaurant meals. Packing food or groceries can also be a huge relief if you have allergies or other dietary restrictions and don’t know if you can find the right food at your destination.
Plan ahead before you leave
If your trip is short, it is definitely possible to pack food on time. You will need to spend the day preparing or assembling meals, similar to how people prepare food once a week or once a month . Several reusable food containers and you’re done.
But that’s not the only way to eat healthy on the road. For a more complete set of options, it is helpful to have a way to keep food cool and a way to heat it up. Many hotels offer a refrigerator and microwave upon request, while longer-stay hotels have tiny kitchens with a stove, dishwasher, and a few pots and pans. Check out your options when planning your trip. If your room does not have a refrigerator or microwave, ask at the front desk if it can be rented, or call ahead and ask.
Don’t forget that kitchen appliances are portable. A multicooker, rice cooker, or even an electric stove can give you the ability to cook in an area that doesn’t have a built-in kitchen (just check with the owner or hotel to make sure there are no rules against doing this).According to TSA , all three can be on the planes either in checkedbaggage or in carry-on baggage.
If you can’t get a room in a refrigerator, remember that a good cooler is almost the same thing. The cooler can snuggle up in the back seat of your car, and there are padded coolers that take up almost no space in your suitcase. In this situation, you will unfold the cooler upon arrival and fill it with either hotel ice or an ice bag from a nearby store.
A good cooler like the Arctic Zone Titan ($ 54 at Amazon) will keep food cold for a day or two when it’s packed with ice. Use a thermometer if you need to be sure of the temperature, but generally, if there is still a lot of ice, the temperature is likely to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit or very close to it.
All you have to do is pour out the melted ice every night and replace it with fresh ice. The more insulation your cooler has, the longer it can keep food cold. Be sure to plan how ice water and condensation can get into everything, though. For example, anything wrapped in paper will get wet, and you probably want to place the refrigerator on something absorbent, like an extra towel from a hotel bathroom. Zip up the box of bags to keep food dry.
Collect your supplies
Once you’ve figured out what you’ll be doing with your food, it’s time to make sure you have all the supplies you need. Here are some of the things that might come in handy:
- Forks, knives and spoons: you will need them, and better to have them than to look for or use flimsy outriggers.
- Dishes : You can buy paper plates as a last resort, but it’s nice to have a clutter kit like this one from Light My Fire ($ 18 on Amazon ) with a reusable version of everything you need. If you’re packing for the family, Ikea’s KALAS cookware is designed for kids and only costs about $ 3 for a six-pack. They are built to survive in microwaves, dishwashers, and probably also nuclear war.
- Containers: Ideal for leftover food or other items you might need. Ziploc bags are fine as a last resort, but it’s a good idea to have something structured enough to eat, like a jar or container with a plastic lid that’s easy to store and easy to clean.
- Cutting board and knife: Courtesy of TSA, of course, if flying. Look for a knife with a blade cover and pack it in your checked baggage , or if you don’t want to travel with a knife at all, look for something cheap at the grocery store or pharmacy upon arrival.
- Dish soap and sponge: You don’t want your only recourse to lick the dishes. Again, if you are flying, be aware of the TSA requirements for the size of containers of liquid or gel (no more than 3.5 ounces per bottle).
Not everyone will need all of these supplies, but each one opens up new possibilities for foods you can cook and eat on the go, and how easy you can keep things clean wherever you stay.
Pack groceries that travel well
If you have a home base with a kitchenette, everything in the grocery store is fair game. But if you’re eating out of the fridge in your car or hotel without a lot of cooking options, try these staples:
- Oatmeal in the fridge: This, of course, requires a fridge (or cooler). Combine oatmeal, milk, or non-dairy milk, and your favorite sweetener and additives . To make things easier, I prefer oatmeal, almond milk, nuts, and a spoonful of jam. When you arrive at your destination, fill up a few cans for a hearty, high-fiber breakfast each morning.
- Everything in package form: If you have access to hot water, such as whenever you have a microwave and a mug, or if you manage to pack a hot pot or electric kettle in your room, bring soup bags. ramen or even mac and cheese for quick mini dinners. Add more protein and vegetables to transform these quick snacks into complete, balanced meals .
- Fruits and Vegetables: Don’t lose sight of the appeal of a banana, apple, orange, or other food of your choice. A peanut butter or peanut butter of your choice is a great way to turn apple slices into a hearty snack. Whole fruits and vegetables do not need to be refrigerated if you eat them while they are still fresh.
- Hard-boiled cheese and eggs : These are classic, highly portable foods that need a refrigerator to stay safe for days, but are easy to snack on or add to other meals as an additional source of protein.
- Sandwiches: The bread keeps well (just don’t crush it) and can be topped with peanut butter, tuna, deli meats, or other easy-to-eat foods. Bring a chopping board and knife and you can easily add vegetables.
- Leftovers cooked: because everything is fair if you have a cooler. I know someone who grills a huge batch of sausages before a trip because it’s his favorite high protein snack.
- Protein and Energy Bars : Homemade or commercially packaged bars are convenient anytime, but really shine when traveling. As a sweet treat, these date and nut bars are kept in good condition and are essentially a homemade version of Larabars . Some people trust Quest Bars , which are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. If you’re tired of dessert snacks, Tanka bars are made with meat and savory spices.
It may seem strange at first, but with a little planning, you can end up with an extensive list of healthy eating options that are better than eating fast food every night.