When it comes to the nation’s favourite snacks, 66 per cent of Brits admit they regularly munch on crisps, with other popular options including biscuits and chocolate bars. But what is the best food to support your immune system and keep your stomach full on the road?
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, says: Eating and snacking during a long road trip helps to maintain energy levels, prevent mood swings and preserves your digestive health. Skipping meals could lead to feelings of discomfort such as bloating.’
With the help of health coach Rebecca Balmer, cinch has explored the perfect snacks to pack.
Carrot and cucumber sticks
These are a delicious low-calorie option to keep you and your kids energised on the road, as they help to satisfy your crunch cravings.
‘Carrot and cucumber sticks with a hummus dip can act as a perfect savoury snack, as all these components contribute to nourishing the beneficial bacteria in our gut,’ says Rebecca.
Bear in mind that we should try and get at least 30 portions of plant foods in our diet each week, and this specific snack will add to the tally. They’re a good source of plant-based proteins, with carrots also contributing towards good eye health and support for the immune system.’
Yoghurt
If you’re planning to hit the road with the family, consider taking a portable cool box to prevent food spillages and expand the snack options you can take on your adventures.
Yoghurt is a solid choice for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack when you don’t have much time to spare at a service station or lay-by. As well as being creamy and tasty, yoghurts are rich in protein, which can help keep your stomach full as you clock up the miles. They also come in different flavours, so there’s something for everyone.
Oat or rice cakes
Top them with cashew, peanut or other nut
butters for added sustenance. ‘Oat and rice cakes are a great protein
source, which is essential for growing children,’ explains Rebecca.
‘Look for oat and rice cakes containing minimal ingredients and
additives as they are less processed.
‘Toppings such as nut butters
are high in calcium, a nutrient that plays an important role in
strengthening bones and teeth. You may also want to consider pairing
your oat and rice cakes with lots of fruit to get all the different
colours of the rainbow in your food.”
Dark chocolate
Craving
some sweet heaven after several miles behind the wheel? It’s tempting
to stop at a service station and stock up on baked delicacies, sugary
drinks and sweets. But if you’re after a healthier, more nutritious
option, dark chocolate hits the spot.
This tasty treat is loaded with
minerals and antioxidants to keep your energy levels up and help the
body tick as it should. It can improve blood flow and circulation by
sending signals to the arteries to relax. And it also has bioactive
compounds that protect your skin from the sun, increasing both hydration
and skin density.
Seeded flapjacks
These offer the same sweet
hit as dark chocolate, and they’re a healthy choice too. Rebecca says:
‘As well as providing you with a mood-boosting sweet kick, the oats in
flapjacks are supposed to keep you full throughout the journey as they
release energy slowly into the body.
‘Coupled with the seeds, they
reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes as the body takes longer to digest
them, maintaining that feeling of satiety. Seeds also contain large
amounts of magnesium, which helps with more than 300 processes in the
body, including promoting restful sleep. And after a long day in the
car, there is nothing better than a relaxing snooze to recharge.’
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