Healthy International Snacks
Whether you travel abroad on vacation or for work, sticking to a healthy and safe diet can seem like a challenge. Menus are hard enough, but what about when you need a snack between meals? Unless you can read the labels, it may be difficult to work out food contents. Unwise choices may ruin your healthy eating plan, or even make you ill.
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Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
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Why not try unusual fruits and vegetables as a healthy snack abroad? Fruit, or a portion of vegetables, makes a healthy snack option when traveling internationally. If you're in a country where the water quality is in doubt, either wash the food yourself with bottled water, or pick a type of fruit or vegetable that can be peeled. To be certain of no contamination, choose fruits with thick skin such as oranges or bananas.
Dried Fruit
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Dried fruit is a quick and healthy option. It can be enjoyable to make up your own dried fruit combinations by buying them loose when traveling. If you prefer not to take the risk of open-air contamination, prepacked bags of dried fruit are widely available in grocery stores and markets in most parts of the world.
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Nuts and Seeds
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Nuts and seeds can be found all over the world Nuts and seeds of various types are sold in most countries. Look for macadamias, cashews, pistachios or sunflower and pumpkin seeds for healthy, high-protein snacks. Be aware that salted varieties may have a higher sodium content than similar products in the U.S. Watch out for sugary coatings, also. Where possible, choose nuts that have nothing added for your healthy snack.
Dried Meat
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South African biltong and a beer are a great snack choice. The fat content of dried meats like Italian Parma ham and salami is high, but low-fat, prepacked meats such as South African biltong or beef jerky are often available abroad. These are rich in protein and can make a healthy snack. Soy jerky can also be found in some countries, such as Japan.
Local Knowledge
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Local knowledge may help you avoid snack mistakes. If you know of someone who has visited the country, ask them for advice on healthy snack options. Even better, consult a local whose judgement you trust or who can translate labels for you. Also, consider learning a few key phrases relating to your specific snack needs before you travel.
Bring Your Own
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The adventurous traveller might not consider this option, but at least it's safe. A few granola bars, bags of dried fruit, nuts or trail mix are easy to pack, even when travelling light.
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References
- Photo Credit Frauenportrait image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com fruits image by J-F Perigois from Fotolia.com baskets of dried fruits image by Jale Evsen Duran from Fotolia.com nuts image by green308 from Fotolia.com Biltong and beer (South African cured meat snack) image by Sophia Winters from Fotolia.com Close up of dogfood and rewards. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com
