Traveling Light: Packing Healthy Ready-Made Meals for Road Trips
Travelling is fun, and trying the local cuisine is a great experience. However, during a road trip, it's not practical to stop frequently for meals or takeout. It takes up time and isn't always a healthy option. Plus, eating a full meal can make you feel sleepy, and no one wants to sleep through the excitement of a road trip.
That doesn't mean you should starve yourself or your kids if they're with you. Instead of just snacking, you can pack ready-made meals that are both healthy and delicious for your road trip. This way, you can eat well without frequent stops, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
So, what are some simple, healthy, kid-friendly meals that won't cause any upset stomachs during long hours on the road?
Here's a list of our suggested ready-made meals that are perfect for a road trip.
Convenient and Wholesome Meals for Road Travel
Breakfast
Breakfast is supposed to be the king of all meals. It should be high in nutrients and keep you full for longer hours. Especially on a road trip, who has time for frequent eating breaks, especially when you're the one driving?
Plus, we came for the views, not just the food, right? So, here are some of our suggestions for your road trip ready-made meals list.
1.Fruits
One of the best options for a healthy breakfast on the go is fruits, which don't take up much space unless you're bringing a melon or pineapple, which you likely won't.
We recommend taking fruits on a road trip that can last for a longer period without refrigeration. After all, a cooler will just take up space.
Consider these low-maintenance fruits:
- Pears
- Mangos
- Tomatoes (Yes, it's a fruit!)
- Oranges
- Avocados (Again, a fruit!!)
- Cherries
- Apples
- Plums
- Nectarines
- Under ripe bananas
- Kiwis
- Peaches
1. Meals
You can also bring some store-bought breakfast meals that come in jars or packs, such as:
- Fruit parfait
- Granola
- Choco chip cookie dough protein balls
- Dairy-free probiotic yogurt
- Peanut butter and coconut protein bar
- Healthy Muffins
Lunch
Here are some of the ready-made healthy meals to have on a road trip for lunch. You can prepare them ahead, pack them in an insulated lunch box, or just have them cold because why not?
- Sandwiches: Whether it's a classic PB&J, a flavorful chicken sandwich, or a comforting grilled cheese, these options are tops for on-the-go munching. No need to heat them up; they're delicious, cold and beloved by travellers worldwide.
- Chicken and Rice Salad: Don't underestimate the power of a good salad, especially on the road! Load up with poached chicken, tricolour quinoa, wild rice, lentils, almonds, edamame beans, zesty pesto sauce, and loads of veggies. It's a refreshing and nutritious option that'll surprise you with its yumminess.
- Hard-boiled eggs and Toasted Veggies: Eggs are not only versatile but also quite resilient on the road. Pair them with pre-roasted veggies like butternut squash or cauliflower, which you can easily pick up from a store beforehand. It's a healthy and convenient lunch option that'll keep you satisfied during your journey.
- Hummus and Veggies: Don't forget about the unbeatable combo of hummus and veggies! Hummus is not only delicious but also a nutritious option for lunch. Pack a container of hummus along with veggies like carrots, celery, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, or any other healthy crunchy snacks you fancy. It's a simple yet satisfying option that's easy to pack and enjoy on the road.
20 OTG Healthy Snacks for Roadtrip
Here are our favourite top 20 healthy snacks that you can buy on the go for your road trip:
- Baby carrots
- Celery sticks
- Greek yogurt cups
- String cheese or cheese sticks
- Trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
- Whole grain crackers
- Rice cakes
- Popcorn (plain or lightly seasoned)
- Roasted chickpeas
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Whole grain cereal cups
- Nut butter packets (peanut, almond)
- Dark chocolate squares
- Beef or turkey jerky
- Seaweed snacks
- Edamame pods
- Cottage cheese cups
Dinner
For dinner, the possibilities are limitless. Especially if you enjoy salads and pasta that don't require heating, here are some healthy and perfect-for-road-trip dinner ideas to keep you fueled:
- Beef Meatballs: Pack meatballs in an airtight container to keep them fresh during your road trip, providing a healthy meal option. Pair them with healthy whole-grain bread for a satisfying meal on the go.
- Chicken Wraps: These are a road trip favourite since they don't need to be heated up. Fill whole grain wraps with seasoned chicken, veggies that won't wilt quickly, and cheese for a delicious and convenient meal. For an extra-filling dinner, pair them with a side salad for a balanced and satisfying option.
Now, let's discuss the scenario where you arrive at your Airbnb or hotel in the evening and have the luxury of enjoying dinner there. Your options for a healthy road trip meal just got better and more extensive. For instance:
- Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas: you can mix cooked quinoa with chickpeas, diced cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and a lemon vinaigrette. Pack it in a container and enjoy a protein-packed and refreshing salad when you arrive.
- Veggie Wrap with Hummus: Spread whole grain wraps with hummus and layer them with sliced veggies like bell peppers, carrots, spinach, and avocado. Roll them up and enjoy a satisfying and portable dinner option.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Cook brown rice and let it cool. Sauté chopped veggies with oil, garlic, and ginger. Add rice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Optionally, add scrambled eggs or tofu. Pack and reheat when ready. Enjoy a nutritious dinner!
Hit the Road with Healthy Prepped Meals!
Heading out on a road trip isn't just about grabbing meals on the fly; it's also about being a responsible citizen. When you're prepping your ready-made meals, remember to grab essentials like napkins, wet wipes, water bottles, extra Ziplocs for leftovers, and a trash bag to keep things clean.
Make the most of your road trip with healthy snacks and meals because YOLO!
No Time to Cook? Let Fast Fuel Meals Handle Your Roadtrip Menu
If you find yourself strapped for time in all the planning and packing, don't worry! Simply reach out to Fast Fuel Meals, our meal delivery service based in Sydney. We offer a diverse and extensive menu featuring nutritious breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner options.
Our meals are ready-made for home delivery and prepared with health in mind. With our timely and convenient home delivery service, you can have scrumptious and wholesome meals on your road trip without the hassle of cooking or preparation.