We love road trips together from the moment we begin planning the actual trip through the actual travel. We remain excited.

Our longest road trip so far is 32 days through 14 states and Washington DC. We love the diversity of exploring our homestate of Texas, even if it’s a few days as well.

Part of the fun is deciding on road trip eats and realizing the advantages to our health and pocketbook, we often prepare our snacks and meals ahead of time.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. HARD-BOILED EGGS

These little eggs are not only easy to prepare, they are easy to store, and easy to eat on the road. They’re fairly mess-free, and are packed full of protein that your body will need while on the road.

For some extra crunch and the perks of some quality complex carbs, add some whole grain crackers to your egg snack for the perfect pick-me-up.

2. CARROTS

Though carrots do have fiber in them and other great nutritional value, one of the reasons we suggest this as a road trip snack is because oftentimes when on the road, you find yourself wanting to eat simply because you’re bored.

So, rather than fill that boredom with unhealthy snacks, munch on some carrots that will take you a while to eat, and will keep you busy without making a mess.

3. GRAPES

Similar to carrots, grapes are a great option for when you’re bored and want to eat something on the road.

These are among Jack’s favorites because they are healthy, clean, and easy to eat, and grapes will help stave off the boredom. Just don’t go overboard with the grapes — they do have a lot of sugar in them.

4. BEEF JERKY

This long-lasting travel snack is packed full of protein, which is one of the best ways to satisfy your hunger.

However, don’t opt for jerky from the gas station that comes loaded with preservatives, and whose sodium levels are off the charts.

Instead, pick up an organic, grass-fed one from your local natural foods store.

5. POPCORN

Popcorn is a great source of fiber and complex carbs that will help your body stay regular, and provide you with energy while on the road.

Make sure you’re not getting the microwave popcorn that is filled with chemicals. Instead, grab one from a store that carries ingredients of just corn, salt, and oil.

Even better yet, pop some on the stove at home using olive oil or butter and just salt. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting.

6. PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH (SKIP THE J)

Though we love jelly, it usually doesn’t offer up anything but loads of added sugar.

Instead, grab for quality peanut butter (check ingredients for too much sugar) for a healthy dose of protein and fat.

Slather that peanut butter on some whole grain bread, and you’ve covered your complex carbs, your protein, and your fat.

If you’re feeling extra hungry, grab a banana, slice it up, and throw it in between the bread and have yourself a PB&B.

7. PISTACHIOS

One of Dodie’s favorites as protein from these nuts is plant-based, and they’re also packed full of unsaturated fats and fiber.

Not to mention, they’re much lower in terms of calories than other nuts. Pistachios weigh in at just 4 calories per nut, while Brazil nuts are 33 calories each.

8. WALNUTS

Pistachios aren’t the only great nuts on the block — walnuts are great for their own reasons.

They have the highest amount of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids when compared with all other nuts, which will help you feel full for a longer amount of time.

9. BAKED CHICKPEAS

These snacks are easy to make at home, and will give you great fiber without having to stuff yourself full of chips.

Simply drain and dry your chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil. Season with a little salt and other spices of your choosing and bake for 30-40 minutes at 450F.

10. HAM AND CREAM CHEESE WHEELS

Ham is a great source of protein, and the cream cheese offers up some healthy fat. The two combined will help keep you full, and keep additional cravings from kicking in.

Ham and cream cheese wheels are also great because they’re easy to make ahead of time. Simply lay out a piece of ham, spoon some cream cheese into the middle, roll the ham up into a tube, and slice it into small pieces to eat.

11. TRAIL MIX

Though there are plenty of options for trail mix at the store, we always prefer to make our own.

And this recipe is almost too simple not to make: ½ cup whole-grain cereal, 2 T pecans, 1 T unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 T dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Yum!

12. NO-BAKE PROTEIN BALLS

You can get really creative with the options for no-bake protein balls, but here is an example to get you started:

Combine rolled oats, nut butter, dried fruit, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, protein powder, and chocolate chips. Roll into small balls and put in the cooler.

13. DRIED FRUITS

Before you buy any dried fruits, be sure you check the label.

You do not want to get any that have added sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Find the ones that simply have ingredients listed as just the fruit, and nothing else.

14. TUNA AND CRACKERS

Tuna is a great way to get a healthy dose of omega-3s, and the crackers are a great way to round out the snack with some complex carbs.

15. GUACAMOLE WITH SLICED BELL PEPPERS

Though we do love ourselves some chips and guacamole, we know that chips aren’t the healthiest snack.

Guacamole (especially if you make it at home) can be quite nutritious and full of good, healthy fats from the avocado.

By eating it with bell peppers instead of chips, you’re getting additional nutrients that chips just can’t offer. Jack even likes it with celery sticks.

16. SUNFLOWER SEEDS

You really can’t go wrong with any type of nuts or seeds while on the road, but sunflower seeds are particularly great because they are full of healthy fats as well as magnesium, which helps support your heart health.

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IN GOD WE TRUST

Thanks for supporting independent true journalism with a small tip. Dodie & Jack

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CINDY LEAL MASSEY, TEXAS AUTHOR

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