Packed my Snack Tonight, Preflight

Traveling can be hard when you're trying to eat right and be active - several hours of sitting still with limited or no access to healthy food? No thanks! Now, I have yet to contact airport officials regarding my idea for an adult 'play area' in airports fully equipped with mats for sit ups, stretching, and yoga, but the food thing can indeed be taken care of with a little bit of planning. If you follow a few simple tips you'll end up saving money, being one of the most satisfied passengers on the plane/train/bus, and you'll be less likely to overindulge in unhealthy convenience food when you finally get to your destination.

1. Pack lots of snacks
You never know when your train will stop halfway between Boston and Albany for several hours with no explanation (spring, 2002) your 2-hour flight will become 5 when you have to land for a medical emergency (winter, 2010) or you'll miss your connecting flight forcing you to take an unexpected 3-hour bus ride (basically whenever I fly through Chicago). Better to be prepared than starving - and you can always save any uneaten snacks for the return flight.

2. Bring them from home
Some airports are getting wise to the fact that travelers want healthy options and are providing restaurants and kiosks with alternatives to fast food - at prices around double what you'd pay in your local supermarket.

3. Make sure you've got a variety of nutrients
Yes, nuts make a good high-protein snack. But they are high in fat and overindulging in them can cause stomach stress. Sure, fruit is great! But even 5 apples and bananas won't keep you full. There's a reason they call variety the spice of life!

Here's what I packed today for my flight from Boston to Raleigh:

Carrots and celery with a wedge of laughing cow cheese, Primal Strips Thai Peanut flavored vegan jerky, Chocolate Dipped Coconut Luna Bar (new flavor, absolutely delicious). Total price: less than $5. Total calories: approximately 300. Nutritional perks: veggies, protein, calcium, fiber... the list goes on!