Unconventional Snacks One Can Eat to Stay Healthy While Travelling

During a raging pandemic, no one thought they’d get to travel again anytime soon, but luckily things have picked up since then … and how. Choosing certain foods, as well as practicing circadian fasting, makes a huge impact on one’s gut health, energy levels and mood. This is why we have come up with a tried-and-tested list of foods that are easily manageable and can help us stay healthy while traveling.

Monk fruit sweeteners and stevia with flavors

There’s no denying that Indians consume way too much sugar! But lucky for us, there are so many sweeteners in the market that act as an alternative, yet don’t spike insulin levels. It can be confusing to pick out one, but when it comes to going on a trip, we can choose between monk fruit or stevia with flavors. The monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) is known for its intensely sweet taste and is used as a non-caloric natural sweetener. Monk fruit-based snacks and sweeteners, and stevia are healthier options because they are natural and safe sugar alternatives. They contain zero calories, zero carbs, zero sodium, zero fat, and have no impact on blood-sugar levels. It has also been researched that stevia can potentially lower blood pressure. So, either of the two can be consumed as healthy alternatives to table sugar.

Fun fact:

Despite its high demand, this crop is only cultivated in China. However, suitable agro-climatic conditions are also available in India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh.

Source: First-ever Monk Fruit Cultivation in India by CSIR-IHBT, CSIR News.

Ragi chips

One can eat these chips for the midevening hunger levels that hit us or should we say “hanger” levels? These are sugar-free and can be a healthy snack option, especially when baked instead of fried, as they are a good source of fiber, calcium, and other nutrients, offering a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips.

have been sweetened with the Lakanto monk fruit sweetener. They are also dairy-free, vegan and work well for most people. So the next time you feel like munching on something sweet, just grab these.

Oats

Oats can make all the difference in getting some protein intake when traveling. To a certain extent, the health industry has overdone the oat obsession, but it can be such a relatively no-brainer snack, especially while traveling. Keep it in your carry-on and wherever one is staying, one can easily make this … even in those mini kettles that are in your Airbnb’s or hotels!

Whole fruits or precut vegetables

These are easy to carry and consume, and are also available widely at most stores, railway stations or airport terminals. This is a good way to get fiber in, and one must eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away — or at least, that's what most of us believed in when we were small.

Cheese cubes

The combination of saltiness and creaminess along with the convenience, all rolled into one just fits right for a trip. They only have 50 calories each, but the protein and fat keep you satiated for a bit. Yes, we do understand that not everyone’s stomachs are well settled with dairy products, so pick your own favourite. One can make cheese cubes at home too, with the right quality of milk. Look it up on YouTube and there are a plethora of resources available to get started. And, if the milk is from FarmLokal, you will be reassured of the quality for longevity. :)

Trail mix

Eating a handful of nuts, almonds, cranberries, and seeds is more than enough to satisfy those instant hunger cravings, be it sweet or salty. Nuts mostly have fat with a bit of protein, so they also keep you full and don’t spike insulin levels.

Electrolyte powder

It can be very difficult to stick to a healthy water intake when traveling, and traveling can be very dehydrating with a schedule change. Here is a tip: drink a large amount of water first thing in the morning mixed with electrolyte powder to ensure the balance of mineral and salt levels.