OK, we admit it the one time we got caught with our pants down was when…

We were running late and headed out the door without packing our snacks before traveling! Embarrassing for sure (as registered dietitians) but far worse is that by the time we get to the airport, we were exhausted, starving, and desperate for anything– even those overly sweet cinnamon buns (although we resisted and managed to find a pre-made, not-so-good-for-you sandwich) . Don’t let your lack of energy be an excuse for unhealthy eating.

Now we’re sure to pack our snacks the night before so this won’t happen to us again! And we have the perfect plan-ahead snacks that’ll give you that energy boost on the go!

Fresh fruit: apples and bananas are at every convenience store throughout the airport, great easy, on-the-go snacks. They’re both full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants to give you a little boost, without all the calories and fat.

Yogurt: a great snack when you’re in a time crunch. Not only does it contain probiotics, it is calcium-rich, and leaves you feeling fuller, longer. Protein rich foods, like yogurt, have been found to satisfy hunger better than those lower in protein

Nuts: are a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fats that are great for your heart! Plus, they’re delicious and extremely satisfying. We like the unsalted kinds!

Soy Chips: if you can’t help but crave that salt (we all have our moments), reach for a small, portable bag of soy chips instead of the fried potato chips. They’re lower in calories and higher in fiber than potato chips

Cereal: while we tend to avoid these when traveling, cereal can be a good energy booster. Look for cereals that are high in fiber (at least 5 grams/serving), made with whole grains, low in sugar (8g/serving or less), and without saturated fat and trans fat. We know this sounds like finding the Holy Grail but it’s not! Our favorites are Shredded Wheat and Fiber One.