Being on the road for long periods can make one hungry. The best option for snacks on the road is gas station snacks. When you hear the term gas station snacks, it is quite natural for you to think of fast food, smoothies, candies, and other calorie-dense snacks that can give you a sufficient boost of energy on the road.
If you are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle, you need to focus on changing your eating habits. Luckily, many healthy gas station snack options are not only high in nutrition but also give you the energy to conquer a long road trip.
The temptation to have unhealthy snacks at food stations can be quite overwhelming, making reaching out for healthy snacks more difficult. However, be mindful that your eating choices play a vital role in your future health.
We can put together some healthy snack options at gas stations that you can enjoy while on the road without worrying about unexpectedly gaining excess weight. Read on to find out!
Healthy Gas Station Snacks: Our Top Picks
The words healthy and gas station typically don’t go hand-in-hand. However, it is simply a matter of perspective and keeping an eye out for healthy snack options. So, next time you are on the road or simply want to grab a quick bite at the gas station, consider these healthy gas station snacks:
1. Greek Yogurt
If you are looking for healthy gas station snacks, head straight for Greek Yogurt while ignoring all the unhealthy snacks around you. Greek Yogurt makes for an excellent snack option rich in zinc, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. With every spoon, you consume twice as much protein compared to regular yogurt. Before purchasing, be sure to check the nutritional labels for added sugars. It is best to avoid those if you are trying to lose weight or follow a healthy diet.
If you find the idea of plain yogurt too boring, you can make it interesting by sprinkling some nuts on top for crunch. If you prefer a little bit of sweetness in your snacks, you can grab a packet or sachet of honey from the coffee station and mix it in your cup of Greek Yogurt. In addition to this, fresh fruits also go well with Greek Yogurt. So, if you think having it plain is too tart for your taste, add the fruits in the Greek Yogurt for added taste and flavor.
2. Dark Chocolate Bars
Dark chocolate is what you need if you want a snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your calories in check. It is rich in antioxidants which are great for the skin. If you consume dark chocolate in small portions, it will keep you on track with your dietary goals.
While purchasing dark chocolate bars, be sure to check the nutritional labels and go for the one that contains a higher percentage of cocoa and lower sugar content. Don’t purchase too many bars. Keep in mind that, on average, one bar of dark chocolate contains about 170 calories. You can’t go wrong with dark chocolate. Consume it in moderation!
3. Granola Bars
Granola bars make for a perfectly healthy gas station snack! Opt for those containing natural ingredients like fruits, seeds, and nuts. Granola bars are convenient to have while you are on the go and are also an excellent source of fiber and protein. However, remember that certain granola bars contain as much sugar and carbs as regular candies. Healthy (sugar-free) bars are known to improve heart health and keep your blood sugar under control.
4. Bananas
Bananas also make for an excellent nutrition-packed snack at gas stations that you can easily find. They are non-messy and easy to have when you are on the road. Bananas are known to give you instant energy. To make this snack a little more interesting, you can grab a healthy and sugar-free nut butter container.
Putting some nut butter and bananas gives you an excellent snack that would satisfy your sweet tooth. Bananas also have several health benefits, like improving your digestive and heart health. You should stick to having one or two bananas per serving, as having them in abundance may also lead to weight gain.
5. Healthy Peanut Butter Sandwich
Who doesn’t love peanut butter? Now you can have it without having to worry about putting on the extra weight. Peanut butter sandwiches are light and non-messy snacks perfect for when you are going. Go for whole-wheat bread and add some low-fat and no-sugar peanut butter on top for the perfect sandwich. You can easily find these ingredients at any gas station.
You can even purchase ready-made peanut butter sandwiches. Peanut butter is a good source of niacin and folic acid that aid your body in converting food into energy. Peanut butter is also rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
6. Crunchy Roasted Nuts
Dry-roasted nuts are packed with healthy fats and protein and make for a great, easy-to-consume, healthy snack when you are on the road. To reduce the sodium content in your diet, you can purchase the non-salted ones. However, these are so delicious that it is often hard to stop yourself from having more. Be sure to consume them in moderation. A handful of roasted nuts contains around 166 calories and 12 to 13 grams of fat.
Our Concluding Thoughts
Simple choices like choosing the right healthy gas station snacks can play a vital role in improving your overall health and the general functioning of your body’s system. So, every time you feel like grabbing a bite when on a long road trip or on the go, you can opt for healthier options. They’ll be better for you than calorie-intense, unhealthy, and processed snacks. It takes a little self-control and discipline to have a healthy lifestyle.
Happy healthy snacking!
