On-the-Go Travel Food

Have you ever felt captive in an airport?

You go through security and remember that you forgot to bring a snack. Thinking a cup of java will jolt you enough to stave off hunger pains, you come to the dizzying realty two layovers later that you really just need something of substance. Not the greasy pizza or plasticized sandwiches that seem to be orbiting around every airport interior, but good food–some protein to balance the blood sugars. Even a banana would satisfy. You sigh and wonder why you didn't think to pack something at 4 a.m.

The road traveled can be an adventure whether we are flying, driving or even cruising. But like any journey, the initial excitement can wear off and leave us feeling drained. Worse, a sugar-loaded or overly-preserved pick-me-up will only leave you crashing later on in the day. Hydration is another very important factor in keeping your travel spirits soaring.

Young mothers learn to pack a tight diaper bag. There are necessities and stuff. The stuff gets heavy so focus on the needs of the moment. As we get older and the kids pack their bags–eventually leaving home for adventures of their own–we start to slide on that diaper-bag mentality of bringing along the essentials.

When it comes to travel food, the essentials should be nutritious, sustaining, balanced and light. So we need natural sources of energy to sustain us, proteins to balance our blood sugars and a mix that won't sit heavy on our tummies or grog our systems. Nuts and dried fruit are ideal. It is fun to create your own trail mix or follow the recipes listed here.

Remember the importance of hydration, too. Water will help keep us alert and flush our systems of static toxins that can build up while traveling. Proper hydration can even help us to avoid the headaches some people get while traveling. Stainless steel containers work well for porting your own water or consider using water fountains. Air travel has special rules for carrying on liquids. Check with www.tsa.gov for what is allowed. If your adventure is taking you through the mountains, look for artesian wells (there is even one outside of Ashland, WI). Go light on the caffeine and opt for tea if you want a hot beverage.

Even the pioneers who hitched up their oxen and drove west brought along their own trail mix–pemmican. The original version once called for lard. We may be adventurous, but let's update that to peanut butter! Be prepared and snack healthy when traveling. You will have plenty of time to explore new foods and restaurants upon arrival. The idea is to keep alert and energized and not let the road traveled make you feel dizzy with fatigue. Enjoy the trip!

BLUEBERRY PEMMICAN
1 cup beef jerky; beef or venison
1 cup dried blueberries
1 cup raw sunflower seeds or crushed nuts of any kind
2 tsp honey
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
Grind or pound the dried meat to a mealy powder. Add the dried berries and seeds or nuts. Heat the honey, peanut butter and cayenne until softened. Blend. When cooled, store in a plastic bag or sausage casing in a cool dry place. It will keep for months.

NUT LOVERS' MIX
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries or dried cherries
1 cup roasted peanuts
1 cup roasted almonds
1 cup roasted cashews
1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
Mix all ingredients together and store in a zip-lock baggie.

RAW TRAIL MIX
Cacao Beans Crushed
Raw Shredded Coconut
Goji Berries
Bee Pollen
Agave
Coconut Butter
Salt
Melt coconut butter in bowl over hot water. Mix remaining ingredients in desired quantities to make trail mix.

03/03/08  By Charli Mills