10 Healthy snacks for your road trip

How often have you remembered to carry some food with you when you step out of your home? More often than not when we are away from home we seldom think of carrying any food along with us. You could blame this on laziness or to the fact that easily available food on the go. Fast food joints have made our life so simple and comfortable that we don’t bother to carry a lunchbox or snack box if we are going away.

Ideally, it is very important that we plan our trip before leaving our house. Here are few healthy and yummy snacking options that you can choose from:-

Nuts

Nuts are packed with protein, fibre and essential fats. Handful of nuts makes a vitality-boosting snack and unlike most other options contributes a mix of valuable vitamins and minerals. The fiber content in the nuts helps us feel satiated for a longer period of time.

All nuts have different nutritional value and health benefits.

Cashew Nuts :-

Cashews contribute a good level of protein and are a useful source of minerals like iron and zinc; cashews make an excellent choice if you’re following a vegetarian diet. They are rich in the mineral magnesium, which is thought to improve recall and delay age-related memory loss.

Hazelnuts:-

If you are concerned about high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which has been associated with heart problems as well as conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Hazelnuts are a good source of folate, which plays a key role in keeping homocysteine within normal levels.

Pistachios

Pistachios are rich in vitamin B6, which is important for keeping hormones balanced and healthy, Pistachios also contain good amount of potassium. This is the only nut that contains reasonable levels of lutein and zeaxanthin-two antioxidants that play an important role in protecting the eyes.

Dried fruits

Dried fruits like Raisins, cranberries, apricots, peaches, etc. Dry fruits are anti-cancer militant. These help us in beautiful and healthy skin. Dried fruits lack fats, are rich in fibre and help in increasing iron in the body.  Dry fruits are packed with needed vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy living.

Carrots :-

Carrots have antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body that works as Anti cancer. Helps in reducing lung cancer and has high amount of Vitamin A that helps is better vision.

Blueberries:–

Blueberries are low in Calories, high in nutrients. It is also known as King of Antioxidant Foods. Blueberries protect cholesterol in the blood from getting damaged and lower blood pressure. Blueberries can help maintain brain function and improve memory.

Bananas:-

Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin (happy-mood brain neurotransmitter). Have Banana before workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar. It protects against muscle cramps during workouts and nighttime leg cramps. Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells. All these benefits are due to high levels of vitamin B-6.

Sandwich :-

Make a healthy sandwich by selecting healthy whole grain bread, peanut butter, Honey and add toppings as per taste. You can also add veggies to it.

Whole grain roasted snacks:

If you are buying something from a superstore, then opt for roasted snacks made of whole grains, pulses and seeds.

Whatever you choose, always keep in mind that they must be whole foods, with good fiber content and probably also have good protein, vitamins and minerals. Avoid carrying too salty, spicy and oily snacks.

Eat healthy and enjoy your journey!