Healthy Airplane Snacks

Ready for some healthy airplane snacks and food ideas? Because absolutely no one wants to spend $17 on sandwiches at the airport. With a little planning ahead, you can save money, have better food options, and not go hungry during your travel (:

Save the healthy airplane snacks list below to make your next trip even better!

Protein Ideas:

• Dried Jerky
• Deli Meat
• Beef or Turkey Patties
• Cooked Chicken or Steak
• Chicken Sausages
• Chicken Nuggets
• Protein Bars
• Protein Powder

 

Carb Ideas:

• Fresh or Dried Fruit
• Raw or Cooked Veggies
• Cooked Rice, Potatoes
• Instant Oats, Rice Cakes
• Granola, Breakfast Cereal
• Bagels, Bread, Tortillas
• Waffles, Pancakes

 

 Fat Ideas:

• Avocado, Guacamole
• Dark Chocolate
• Nut Butter
• Fatty meats will be high in both fat and protein (eggs, beef, etc)

 

 High-Fiber Food Ideas:

• Avocados
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Bananas
• Apples
• Oatmeal
• Protein Bars
• Protein Bars, Kind Bars, Nuts
• High Fiber Bread or Bagels
• Sweet Potatoes
• Quinoa

 

When it comes to planning meals to travel with, keep it simple and easy to eat. Think protein, carb, fat, tons of spices. Don’t forget silverware and some wet wipes!

 Easy Meal Ideas:

• Breakfast sandwich with English muffin, eggs, bacon or ham
• Chicken or pork sausage, microwave pancakes, a little syrup
• Breakfast sausage, french toast, fruit, drizzle of syrup or honey
• Scrambled eggs, bacon or turkey bacon, instant oats and fruit
• Chicken thighs, a little olive oil, jasmine rice, asparagus
• Ground beef, pasta noodles, tomato sauce, bell peppers
• Grilled steak, mashed potatoes, green beans
• Ground chicken, sweet potatoes, avocado
• Chicken nuggets (Sprouts or Golden Platter are fire, also GF!)
• Rotisserie chicken, salad mix, veggies, toss in favorite dressing
• Beef or turkey patty, jasmine rice, guacamole, bell peppers
• Premade salad mix with greens, veggies, and chicken or steak
• Grilled pork chops, sweet potato hash, zucchini
• Tortilla wraps with deli meat, greens, ranch or mayo
• Premade quesadillas made with tortillas, cheese, chicken or steak
  
  

Other Healthy Airplane Snacks & Travel Tips

Ice Packs & Spill-Proof Packing

If you’re at the airport, you can absolutely bring food through security, just make sure there’s no liquids. You can use ice packs to keep everything cold, just make sure they’re frozen solid when going through security. Check airport rules if traveling abroad to other countries.

I have trust issues with food leaking when I travel, so I like to double bag everything to be extra safe. We also typically put all our food in a reusable grocery bag or Lululemon tote (keep in mind: it will count as a carryon bag)

Glass Pyrex containers and the reusable silicone bags (like Stasher) are generally pretty leak proof. If short on space, I might just use plastic baggies. If possible, I’ll save and reuse them on the flight back.

 

Pack Enough Food For The Whole Day

Better safe than sorry. Flight delays, airports with terrible food options, last-minute change of plans… it happens, and I’ve definitely been on the receiving end of all it. Even if it’s a short flight, I try to bring food for the entire day so that I’m covered either way.

I love packing things that are easy to eat: breakfast sausages, waffles, bagels, chicken nuggets, fruit, etc.

No TSA Pre, Clear, Or Global Entry? 

Keep all your food stashed at the top of your bag or suitcase so you can easily get to it and take it out if needed at security. If traveling abroad, check if there are any food restrictions for airport security.

Don’t Forget To Bring… 

Utensils to eat with, wet wipes or napkins, and a reusable water bottle.

Stay At Airbnb’s or Hotels With A Kitchen or Mini-Fridge

Healthy airplane snacks and travel food don’t have to stop at the airport. Most hotels will have a microwave in the breakfast area. And staying at a place where you can cook during your trip is a great way to save major money and stay healthy while you travel (:

Go Grocery Shopping When You Land

Bonus points if you book your stay near a grocery store.

Consider grabbing extra high-protein foods like jerky, protein bars, deli meat, etc. This tip always helps me whenever I’m staying with family or loved ones. Even if I have to pay for an Uber or Lyft to get there, it helps avoid so much stress and headache as I’m able to stock up on food I actually want to eat, and that align with my goals and how I want to feel while I travel.

If staying with family, I’ll usually send a text before my trip that looks something like this:

“Hey ____! I’m so excited to see you. When we get in town, I’d love to go straight to the grocery store to grab food and snacks for the week. Would you mind giving me a ride there? Totally okay if I need to grab a ride share to get there. Just let me know!”

Where to Go From Here

I’m always posting educational content regarding nutrition, fitness, and sharing what I’m up to on my Instagram. You can also follow us on the Paragon Training Methods Instagram for tons of free workouts and more tips to help you look and feel your best!