Traveling can make it tough to stick to your clean-eating diet. When you’re at home and you have access to your stove and fridge, planning a high-protein meal is rather simple, by comparison. Take away those essential appliances and you can feel like you don’t stand a chance at maintaining your diet. Don’t fear, all it takes is a little planning.
Here are some snacks that travel well. If you can bring a cooler on the road, then all of these snacks are an option. If you can’t, just focus on the non-refrigerated items. Always remember that once you reach your destination, it doesn’t hurt to stop at a grocery store to pick up refrigerated items that you can toss into your hotel fridge.
Skip the mess of canned tuna and having to bring a can opener. These tuna pouches are a convenient way to take protein with you. Add it to some bread or rice or just get a fork and eat it straight out of the package.
2. Nuts
Add some variety and grab several kinds of nuts to take along. Nuts are a great source of essential fatty acids and protein, too. Also, they’re filling, so when you’re hungry they make a great snack.
3. Protein Bars
Be careful, though. Protein bars can be tricky. Depending on where you are in your training, some that are packed with calories and sugar can either make or break your goals. Opt for a low-sugar, high-protein choice to stay on the safe side.
4. Ziploc Baggie Protein
You can’t beat bringing your own protein powder on a trip. Put individual portions in Ziploc baggies. All you need is water and a cup, and you’ve got yourself an easy protein snack.
5. Beef Jerky
High in protein and portable, beef jerky is an excellent source of protein.
6. Peanut Butter
If you’re not too thrilled about lugging around a whole jar of peanut butter, grab some individual packets to make it more convenient.
7. Roasted Edamame
Protein doesn’t only have to come from meat sources. Edamame is a great vegetarian source of protein. You can find the dry roasted option for easy portability.
8. Protein Water
Don’t confuse this with throwing a scoop of protein powder into water. Protein water is actually bottled water that happens to have protein in it. It comes in clear and a variety of fruity colors for your choosing. Grab a few bottles from a health food store before hitting the road. This option will not only give you the protein you’re looking for, but it’ll also keep you hydrated.
Refrigeration Required
1. Greek Yogurt
An individual container of Greek yogurt is one of the easiest ways to get in protein. Be sure to skip the ones high in sugar and opt for plain or one that has low-sugar.
2. Protein Packs
A few of these packs give you deli meat, cheese and nuts — great sources of protein in one prepped package.
3. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Before your trip, take some time to grab some turkey meat and cheese slices. Roll these up and store in a plastic container. These are easy to grab and eat quickly. You can also do a low-carb version by rolling up deli meat with lettuce.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are an easy go-to protein option. Boil as many as you may need, peel and store in a cooler or refrigerator.
5. Grilled Chicken Pieces
Ahead of time, grill some chicken, cut it up and store it in individual servings. When you need a quick snack, grab a container, pop off the lid and there you go: an easy and quick protein snack.
6. Pre-Made Protein Shakes
Having a protein shake that’s already made is convenience at its finest. There are a lot of brands to choose from to fit your fitness goals. Keep these refrigerated or in a cooler and you have protein at your fingertips.
