Snacking Checklist

by Sarah Schlichter

Hi guys, Sarah here again! As a new mom myself (I have a 9 week old), I’ve quickly realized that leaving the house takes a little bit more planning and everything takes longer. Even when I plan things to the final detail, it’s so easy to forget one simple thing for the diaper bag, or a change of clothes for the baby or myself, and the rest of the day gets a bit more complicated. I’ve also learned about the importance of packing (extra) snacks because doctor’s appointments and traveling in the car with a baby just takes longer, and I have a pretty constant appetite.

Whether you have children or not, summer is a great time for traveling. There’s weddings, beach trips, mountain trips and family reunions. If you’re like me, you save some of your “time off” for summer vacations. If you do have kids, maybe you have a few “kid friendly” trips planned to take advantage of summer vacation. We sure do! We have a few trips planned that require 5-6 hours driving in the car (yikes), and a few flights too! I have my first flight next month with a baby and while I find it very overwhelming to think about, packing the necessities makes me feel better.

For me, I like to always make sure I pack enough food! It’s natural for me to think about food as a Registered Dietitian, but for logistical and logical reasons for traveling, I like to be extra prepared. Having easy snacks on hand makes traveling SO MUCH easier because you don’t have to stop for snacks and take time away from your actual vacation. Additionally, you can cater the food to what YOU and your children like. Plus, eating out for each meal and snack can be quite expensive! Things can get hectic and unfavorable when you’re in a situation where you’re starving and cranky, or your kids just want their favorite food or snack. We’ve all been there. I’ve learned the hard way many times!

My favorite snacks are those that are great for sharing (trail mix anyone?), or perfectly convenient for single serving sizes (like Sun-Maid’s regular and mini boxes of raisins) because sometimes you just want to keep the goodness all to yourself.

If you have some travel planned for the rest of the summer and you’re looking for snack ideas, I’ve got you covered! If you like to make your own snacks, I have plenty of ideas for that. Or, if you prefer to buy premade, more convenient options, I have ideas for those too!

Whether you’re traveling by car or by plane, here are plenty of portable ideas that will make your travel itinerary a little bit easier. This is what I’ll be relying on for our travel excursions! The snacks will be one less thing for you think about.

We like to brainstorm by category so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for – whether in bulk or single serving! If you’re up for it, you can even pack a portable cooler for some refrigerated snack ideas. Happy Snacking!

Summer Travel Checklist: Healthy Portable Snack Edition:

• Protein snacks (for that satiety factor!)
• Beef/turkey/fish jerky
• Homemade energy bites
  • Our favorite recipe: 1 cup nut butter + 1/3 cup honey + 1 cup oats + ¼ cup raisins + 1/3 cup chocolate chips
• String cheese*
• Dried edamame
• Roasted chickpeas (Add whatever flavors/spices you like. We like cinnamon and a little sugar for sweet, or Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and olive oil for savory! Roast for 30-40 minutes at 450 for extra crunchy).
• Turkey/ham/PB&J sandwiches*
• Nuts/seeds
• Granola/Nut/seed bars (make your own or buy pre-packaged)
• Greek Yogurt* or Cottage Cheese*
• Hard Boiled Eggs*
• Homemade smoothie* (add fruit, milk/yogurt, veggies, protein powder if desired)
• Individual tuna packets

 

Fun snacks for your taste buds

• Dates w/ portable nut butters (Justin’s, SunButter)
• Trail mix (add raisins or dried fruit, dry cereal, nuts/seeds)
• Apple sandwich – sliced apples (sliced in thin discs to be the “Bread”) with peanut butter and raisins in between
• Rice cakes or crackers with tuna, guacamole or nut butter
• Dark chocolate with nut butter
• Homemade muffins
• Sweet potato fries or chips
• Yogurt Parfait (Greek yogurt layered with fruit/jam/nuts/seeds)

 

 

Fruits/veggies

• Whole fruits
• Chopped veggies with portable hummus/ranch
• Dried fruits (Sun-Maid has raisins, figs, prunes, apricots, plums, cranberries, apples and mixed fruit)
• That’s It Fruit/Veggie Bars

 

 

Single Serving

• Raisins
• Dried edamame
• Sun-Maid yogurt raisins (vanilla or chocolate, depending on your preference!)
• Greek yogurt*
• Cottage Cheese*
• Nut butter packets
• Nuts/seeds
• Mini snack bars

 

 

Snacks to share

• Bagged or home popped popcorn
• Beef/turkey/fish jerky
• Trail mix
• Granola
• Fruit salad
• Hummus and veggies
• Healthy muffins, cookies, energy bites

 

* Requires mini cooler/refrigeration

Sarah Schlichter is a Registered Dietitian with my Master’s of Public Health in Charlotte, NC. She works in nutrition counseling and consulting, and blogs at Bucket List Tummy.