Before embarking on a long flight, it is important to make sure you have enough snacks to make the journey bearable. Packing unhealthy fast food or snacks that leave you feeling bloated and sluggish right before you plan to land can be a huge bummer. Fortunately, there are plenty of nutritious and delicious snacks that are perfect for a long flight. Here are the best healthy snacks to pack for a long flight.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are always a good choice when you are looking for snacks to pack for a flight. Not only are fruits and veggies portable and easy to prep, but they are also rich in vitamins and minerals that will keep you feeling your best throughout the flight. Try packing an assortment of portable fruits and vegetables, like bananas, apples, oranges, celery stalks, berries, and baby carrots.
Choose Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein and healthy fats and make for healthy travel snacks. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and pistachios are all tasty and travel well, as do sunflower seeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds. You can grab a pre-made trail mix that combines a variety of nuts and seeds, or you can make your own.
Prepare Low-Carb Snack Balls and Bars
Low-carb snack balls and bars are perfect for a long-haul flight because they are filling and nutrient-dense. Make your own snack balls by blending together dates, oats, nut butter, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and other ingredients of your choice. If you find it easier and more convenient, you can buy all-natural snack bars or bars made with whole food ingredients.
Whole Grain Crackers with Hummus
Whole grain crackers are great for snacking, especially when paired with hummus. Whole grain crackers offer benefits like lower cholesterol and absorbs sugars from food, keeping you energized and improving your insulin tolerance. Packing a few packs of whole grain crackers along with a small container of hummus will give you countless hours of enjoyable snacking on your long flight.
Dried Fruits and Unsweetened Yogurt
Dried fruits and unsweetened yogurt are two healthy snacks that are convenient and easy to pack for a long flight. Dried fruits, like apricots, dates, cranberries, and apples, are a perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Unsweetened yogurt, such as Greek or kefir, contains probiotics that are nourishing and good for your gut bacteria.
Chia Pudding and Overnight Oats
Chia pudding and overnight oats are easy to make and ready to grab when you head to the airport. Chia pudding can be prepped a few days in advance and tastes great topped with dried fruits and nuts. Overnight oats are also great and can be prepped by simply stirring oats, yogurt, and your favorite fruits in a mason jar and letting it sit overnight.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is almost a modern staple in many people’s diets, so why not bring it with you on your next flight? Start by packing a few slices of whole grain bread and topping each one with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt. You can also add some protein to your avocado toast, like smoked salmon, roasted chicken, hard boiled eggs, tuna, or turkey.
Smoothies to Pack
Smoothies aren’t just nutritious and filling; they are also a great way to stay hydrated during a long flight. Every smoothie should include fruits, vegetables, and protein and fat sources, such as yogurt, nut butter, avocado, and chia seeds. You can also add leafy greens and healthy carbs such as oats or quinoa to your smoothie to provide extra fuel.
Airport Food Staples
If you don’t have time to prepare your snacks for the plane, airports can be a great place to find healthy snacks. Airport food options have been expanding in recent years, and now you can find more nutritious snacks like hummus with veggie sticks, salads, and assorted fruits. You can also look for sandwiches that are made with whole grain bread and include toppings like grilled chicken, hummus, and avocado.
Drinking Water and Teas
Staying hydrated is important when you’re flying, so make sure to bring plenty of water with you or buy some at the kiosks located in the airport. You can also bring herbal teas or caffeine-free teas, like peppermint or chamomile, to avoid the sugary sodas and sports drinks that are usually available.
With a little bit of planning and prep, you can easily make sure that you won’t have to rely on unhealthy snacks during your long flight. Having the right healthy snacks on hand can make your next flight enjoyable and ensure that you’ll arrive at your destination feeling energized and ready for fun.