Plane rides and big family gatherings have drastically decreased this year, causing people to hit the pavement more for a good old fashioned road trip. Nothing beats packing only the essentials and coasting down the road with a loved one or best friend. This is how memories are made! If you’re planning a trip to a city you’ve never visited or maybe even a national park, then chances are you’re doing some planning—mapping out your route, researching landmarks and figuring out what to pack. Since many restaurants are operating at limited capacity or just simply closed, packing the right food for your trip is crucial. Here are some tips and tricks for what to pack on your road trip so you can feel great and stay on track with all your fitness and nutrition goals. Even if you’re not planning an epic road journey, these snacks are just good to have on hand. Keep some in your car or have a stash in your house somewhere so you always have something quick and healthy to munch on:
The iconic ‘on the go’ snack, nuts and seeds can be a great source of fat and protein. Since you’re on an epic journey, though, make it fun! Ditch the basic flavors and pack something delicious. We love innovative flavors like Thai lime and chili or everyone’s favorite, Everything But the Bagel! Head to your local Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods and try something new. Buy it now: Thai Lime and Chili Cashews Everything But the Bagel Nut Duo
Instead of pulling over at a donut or ice cream shop to get your sweet fix, pack some dried fruit instead. Craisins, dried mango or baked crunchy apples (linked below) are all great options. Buy it now: Bare Baked Crunchy Apples Fruit Snack Pack
Love meat? Then a bag of beef jerky should always go on your road trip. To keep it extra healthy, opt for something low in sugar and grass-fed. This can be a great source of quick protein to curb hunger. Buy it now: Grass-Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks
A quick tablespoon of nut butter is always a good option. We love Trader Joe’s nut butter options for their fun flavors and clean nutrition! Buy it now: Trader Joe’s Mixed Nut Butter
Always keep some quick carbs hands on a long car ride. We love Dave’s Killer Bread for its flavor and ability to keep us fuller longer. Spread some nut butter on top and bam—you have a great little roadside snack! Stop along the way and plan a picnic with some views to go along with your spread. Buy it now: Dave’s Killer Bread, Organic Good Seed
If you’re a regular Iron Tribe member, then you’re likely very familiar with some of these protein bars. Low in sugar and high in flavor, we love these brands for their great taste and quality nutrition. Pick out your favorite flavors (brownies, cookies and cream, cinnamon bun—they literally have everything) and stash some in your glove compartment. Buy it now: FitJoy Protein Bars ONE Bars
If your road trip is a long one, we can’t recommend a cooler enough! This will allow you to pack more great foods that’ll keep you full and on your journey. Here’s what we would have in our road trip cooler:
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