As an air traveler, it can be hard to resist the appeal of the airline’s snack offerings. But these options tend to be quite calorie-dense and not very nutritious, so they’re not the best choice if you’re looking to maintain or lose weight. Instead, bring your own snacks on your next flight to enjoy some delicious food without putting too many calories in your body! These snacks are low in calories, but high in flavor and nutrition, making them perfect for eating during your flight!
Popcorn
Airplanes are notorious for their lack of healthy food options, so always try to pack some snacks with me before flying. Here are a some:
Air popped popcorn: It’s the perfect snack because it’s light and crunchy and will fill you up without weighing you down. Plus, it can be made in bulk ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about making multiple batches on the flight. Add salt and olive oil for an extra pop of flavor.
Parmesan Garlic Popcorn: One way to make your own is by using cheese puffs or similar product as your popping kernels. Mix equal parts parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and butter together until blended well then layer over popcorn in large ziplock bag. Shake well until all kernels are coated then pour onto baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.
This type of healthy travel snack is yummy enough to please any picky eater (with lots of cheesy goodness).
Pretzels
Pretzel sticks are another great option because they’re only about six inches long – perfect if you need something quick and yummy while waiting at the airport or on the plane. They also come in a lot of different flavors like honey wheat, salted, pretzel rods, and others, so there’s always one that suits your taste buds. Plus, they have less sodium than chips which is helpful when it comes to maintaining hydration levels while flying. There are also options like Wise Company’s classic roasted peanuts or Quest Nutrition bars that provide some protein and healthy fats to keep you full during your flight.
Crackers
There are a few key things that make great airplane snacks: they need to be light, compact, and easy-to-eat. Crackers are the best option because they’re the perfect balance of all three. They can typically fit into the pocket of your seat in front of you so you can snack easily during takeoff and landing. If a cracker doesn’t have enough calories for you, then add a healthy dip or spread (e.g., guacamole, mustard).
And if something salty is what you crave (think chips), then choose an airtight container or resealable bag that seals shut and has no holes so your chips don’t get crushed by other items in your bag. For fresh fruit, try buying bananas instead of apples as they tend to ripen more quickly. For those with dairy allergies, it’s good to bring a food scale when packing cheese cubes so you know exactly how much weight each cube weighs before putting them in your suitcase.
Nuts
While nuts are often a go-to snack, they can be bulky and heavy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, pack some cheese instead! You can also try seeds, whole fruits with peelings or skins like bananas or apples that are easy to consume on the go. If you want something sweet, consider packing freeze-dried fruit (they come in handy pouches) or dried fruit that doesn’t need refrigeration. Stay away from salty foods because it will make your mouth feel dry and increase thirst. As a last resort, we have sweets like chocolate!
Dried Fruit
There’s something about biting into a slice of apple that tastes like it was just picked off the tree, or popping a cherry in my mouth and feeling like I’m on a walk in the woods. Dried fruits are also great because they’re naturally low in calories, so when you want to snack, you can feel good about your choices. Here are some dried fruit snacks:
-Dates – These are really high in natural sugars so make sure not to eat too many of them at once! I love pairing these with almonds or walnuts and some cheese as well. Dates have a unique flavor and can be an interesting change from the usual suspects if you’re looking for something different. They pair especially well with nuts and cheese!
-Raisins – Some people might cringe at this one, but there is something undeniably delicious about raisins (especially when you dunk them in milk). They’re chewy and sweet, which is perfect for enjoying after lunch.
-Cranberries – Cranberries are tart but super refreshing. A handful of cranberries paired with yogurt makes for a nice treat. And don’t forget to buy those ever-popular cranberry orange muffins from the bakery near your office—they always taste best fresh out of the oven!
Juice
In your snacks, include a juice box. You can also try squeeze pouches or individual servings of juice. The best thing is that they are already in a small bag and won’t spill when you take them through security. Be sure to use some straws so you don’t have to open the juice boxes and the juice doesn’t go all over you or your stuff. Make sure the straws are closed tightly before putting them in your bag because they will make noise if they come out of the top. If you want some extra protein, pack hard-boiled eggs with a plastic spoon – be careful not to break it!
