SPECIAL SECTION: NUTRITION & WELLBEING
FUEL SMART
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You don’ t have to rely on fast food when you’ re on the road. With a bit of forethought and planning, you can pack some car snacks that are as healthy as they are delicious. BY ELLEN RYAN
T here’ s one road trip rule most families can agree on – the food is half the fun! But while it can be tempting to pull into roadhouses for a salty or sugary snack, Yue Li, registered dietitian and Costco member, believes we’ d be far better off toting a home-packed combination of colours, textures and nutrients.“ Include as many food groups as possible for both health and satiety, so you’ re not hungry again soon,” she says.“ With a little planning, at home or at the store, travel snacking can be both healthy and fun.”
Here are some ground rules for packing wholesome road trip fare, whether you and your crew are heading out for a few hours or a few days.
1. Snacks with sustenance
Not only is protein an essential nutrient for muscle growth and repair, it helps keep us full. Hard-boiled eggs are an easy road trip winner – cut them in half ahead of time and add salt and pepper.
Nuts are another convenient snack, or you can slice veggie sticks to dip in hummus. Li says individually wrapped cheeses are great for car trips because they’ re mess-free, while yoghurt pouches are convenient and allow for choice. Home-baked protein bars or muffins are another winner, especially if the kids help in the kitchen.“ Kids are more likely to eat what they make,” Li points out.
2. Add crunch and colour
Fruit and vegetables are fantastic road trip fare. Mandarins and bananas are easy to pack( and peel), as are carrots, cucumbers and capsicum. Before you leave, wash fruits and veggies for at least 30 seconds and dry with a paper towel. Li advises always halving grapes and cherry tomatoes for younger children to avoid choking hazards in the back seat.
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32 | JUL / AUG 2025 COSTCO CONNECTION