Healthy Options in the Air

It is so frustrating to try and find something healthy to eat in the airport. And yes, you gotta’ live. And you might be on vacation. But I’d rather NOT return home with some extra weight that’s NOT in my luggage, and I’d rather save those macros for something really worth it. Like chocolate. Or something else equally as delectable. That includes chocolate.

And I certainly don’t want to waste those macros on foods I really don’t care about. #choice

So here are my meals from a recent trip from Atlanta to Salt Lake City.

Lunch:

• Banana
• Protein shake. I love these little zip loc bags that are in the jewelry supply section at the store or from Amazon. I have a smaller size that I often use too.
• Pepper Jack cheese stick purchased at the airport. There was too much time from when I left home until I was able to eat at the airport, so a cheese stick from home would’ve been warm. And could’ve possibly made me sick. That’s not a great way to start a trip.

Macros: 286 calories, 8.3g fat, 25.1g carbs, 30g protein

Dinner:

• Packet of chicken breast. I had no idea these even existed, but they’re definitely a game-changer!
• Broccoli, cauliflower, and baby carrots. I soaked these in some balsamic vinegar the night before, patted the extra vinegar off the next morning, and put them in a ziploc bag. Very tasty!

Macros: 260 calories, 4.5 g fat, 8g carbs, 47g protein

Also packed but not eaten because I wasn’t hungry:

• Cut up apple. Tyson and I shared this the next day.
• Pure Protein protein bar. My favorites!

And here are some other things I like to pack in my backpack:

• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich. One of my favorites any time!
• Tuna packets. These can be a bit odiferous, so I only eat them inside the airport.
• Flavored almonds. My new favorites are the cinnamon roasted ones. Yum!

• Bran flakes and sliced almonds. This has actually become one of my favorite airport/flying early in the morning breakfast options. I eat bran flakes and sliced almonds 99% of the time for breakfast, so this is a hit with me. Throw in a piece of fruit and a protein shake, and you’ve got a well-rounded, healthy, and filling breakfast!

Here are some airport store macro-friendly go-tos I’ve discovered for when packing food in my backpack hasn’t been possible:

• Oatmeal. I love Starbucks oatmeal, and I ask for the pack of blueberries to put on top. Yummy! Sometimes, I’ll add the nut packet too. I skip the brown sugar or honey and add 0 calorie sweetener available at any Starbucks. Their vanilla powder is a nice addition too. Super easy!
• Salad. Something with grilled chicken and a light dressing, which I use sparingly. I’m not a fan of a lot of dressing.
• Boiled eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Fruit cup

What are your favorite healthy and convenient foods while traveling? I’d love to know!

Safe travels!