Healthy & Easy Snacks for Traveling and Backpacking

In my job, I travel about 200 miles per day. Since I spend so much time on the road, I am always looking for snacks to take along. Eating at restaurants for most meals can become expensive. Plus, it can be hard on the weight and cholesterol!

Over time, I've found some inexpensive "road food" snacks to carry with me. They keep well with little or no refrigeration; are easy to open, and have fewer calories than fast food. The following snack foods are great to keep in your car, or take on short backpacking or hiking trips.

I keep a couple of packages of these Salami & Cheese snacks in my console all the time. Although I live in Texas, the extreme heat has not affected the taste or quality of the meat or cheese.

The single package contains salami slices, a cheese spread, crackers, a fruit & nut mix, and a dessert. It's enough for a quick meal, or a large snack to keep you going until it's time for a real meal. These salami slices are made of beef, with no fillers, so you know it's better than fast food!

Vegetables need a bit of refrigeration, especially when it's hot out. It may not be practical to take them on a backpacking trip, but they are a healthy alternative when traveling by car. I like fresh bell pepper slices and baby carrots, as they both have a crunch like a potato chip. However, any fresh vegetable that you like can be prepared ahead of time. They are easy to eat while driving, and the calories - well, they aren't even enough to count!

Keep some vegetables sliced & bagged in your refrigerator, and when you're ready to head out on the road, place them in a small ice chest. They'll keep well, and you'll be proud of yourself for not eating french fries!

Buddy Fruit Snacks come in a variety of flavors: banana, apple, orange, pomegranate, raspberry, and apple-cinnamon. I've only tried the apple and orange, but find both to be absolutely delicious! They are made from 100% fruit, and contain only 95 calories per 1 ounce package.

These snacks do not require refrigeration, so they are easy to carry in your purse, car or backpack. At around $1.00 per package, they can be a bit expensive for every day eating. But for a more nutritious snack on the road, they are a best buy!

I initially purchased the Blue Diamond Walnuts at my local, independent grocery store several years ago. The walnuts are hard to find, so since then, I now purchase the Blue Diamond Almonds. These nuts are packaged without the salt you'll find in most nut packages, and contain just 100 calories per pack.

Nuts are much better for your health than greasy hamburgers, yet will satisfy your hunger just as well. Keep a couple of packages of these on-hand when traveling, as they keep well for long periods of time.

Slurpees are not healthy, nor can you keep them in your car or backpack. But in my opinion, they are one of the best "road food" snacks available! My favorite flavor is Coca-Cola, but I've been known to splurge on orange, lime or other fruit flavors. That way, I can pretend it's a healthy snack!

It's not good for you and it has empty calories. But it's a great way to cool off on hot summer days, and will bring a smile to your face at the end of a long day.

Do you have a snack you carry in your purse or car for emergency meals? Have you tried any of the snacks I recommend? Please share your thoughts and suggestions here.