Road Trip Goodies

Last week our family packed up and headed East to Kansas City for a family visit.  It was a great trip - always good to go back "home" for a bit.  The only downside is the loooooooong car ride!  It's about 9 hours with a 2 and 4 year old and the temptation to stop and eat, eat, eat, eat....  You know the drill.  Bored to tears with nothing to do but pop something in your mouth.  



In an effort to be more health minded, we have been packing our meals and snacks when we make this drive.  It takes some planning but ultimately it is healthier AND cost effective.  Bonus!

Here are some ideas for your next long road trip.

Squeezable Applesauce

You might have seen these cute little Gogo Squeeze pouches. These are great but you can also make your own applesauce and store in reusable pouches.  Applesauce is super easy to make.  Simply peel and core some apples, add a little bit of water, cinnamon, and sugar to taste and then cook it down for about 30 minutes.  Mash it up with a potato masher or blend it up to the consistency you like.

Granola cookies

Here's a car friendly spin on traditional granola.  Mix together your favorite granola recipe, add some protein powder, and extra peanut butter and honey to make it stick together in clumps.  Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes in cookie sized mounds.  Store in air tight container.

Bagels and cream cheese

I love a good bagel and cream cheese.  It's a great car food for breakfast.  The night before we left on our trip I tried THIS recipe out.  It turned out great and since I was able to use my bread machine for the dough cycle, I still had time to pack.

Pack Your Own Meals

I like to pack our meals in plastic boxes.  They are easy to eat out of and serve as little plates that contain the food without much fuss.  Just take the lid off and enjoy!  We carry a soft cooler just behind the front seat with our meals in it so they are easy to access.  On a 9 hour drive, I usually pack both breakfast and lunch.  This is also a handy way to eat on the go even when you aren't crossing two states.  I pack lunches so often for the kids because of my Zumba schedule that I think they expect a meal with every car ride now!

Popcorn

For your salty fix, try popping some popcorn before you leave and bag it up.  I was afraid the butter would make it soggy on my air popped corn but was pleasantly pleased.  Just buttery, salty, goodness that hits the savory, crunchiness that you crave.

Roasted chic peas

Another salty treat are these roasted chic peas.  You can flavor them however you choose!

Easy Snacks to Pick up at the Store

Cheese sticks
Yogurt tubes - look for greek yogurt
Cut up fresh fruit and veggies
Yogurt raisins
dark chocolate covered acai berries - These are AWESOME! I got them at Costco and they totally satisfy my chocolate cravings!