At one point in my journey business trips were my downfall. 👀 I’d stay super consistent on eating better then poof, a business trip would arrive and all bets were off. I found myself telling this story twice over the weekend, and so the blog schedule becomes interrupted 😉.
Business travel can be daunting, fortunately I’ve been a business traveler long enough to develop a few tips and tricks to overcome the pitfalls (mostly)…
if you want tips on general packing lunch, check out this post here 👇🏾.
The Intention
It’s now become a foundational intention that I do my BEST NOT to stop at fast food spots during my travels. I fully realize it is a privilege to have time to pack well before a trip, something not available to everyone. However, I’m often reminded the ancestors somehow managed to pack food and staunchly follow the green book while moving among the country. They packed coolers full of homemade goodness, knowing feeding their family on the road was essential. They were wise, crafty, and intentional. We too can 💪🏾 adopt this ingenuity!
Now, so many of us put our health (in the form of food) in the hands of others, each time we lean on convenience instead of preparation.
My Packing Blueprint
✨ Pro Tips: Pack a small cooler so you can bring fresh items (like fruit, yogurt, and veggies) and avoid the gas station snack trap.
- Fresh fruit
- Apple slices, grapes, or clementines (no mess fruits)
- Baby carrots, cucumber slices, or snap peas with hummus cups
- Cherry tomatoes
- Homemade energy bites (oats, nut butter, seeds, dried fruit)
- Greek yogurt cups (if you have a cooler)
- Protein
- Roasted chickpeas or edamame
- Beef or turkey jerky (low-sodium if possible)
- Mixed nuts or trail mix (pre-portioned to avoid mindless snacking)
- Cheese sticks or Babybel cheese
- Something crunchy
- Whole-grain crackers or rice cakes
- Graham Crackers
- Air-popped popcorn (seasoned lightly)
- Something sweet
- Dark chocolate squares
- Dark Chocolate Almonds
- Yogurt covered raisins
- Dates stuffed with almonds or peanut butter
- Drink variety
- Water (add lemon or cucumber slices for flavor)
- Sparkling water
- Herbal tea in a thermos
Example 1: The Diva Booked and Busy
This version gives “booked and busy”. I like this example because nothing has to be eaten in one sitting. You can pop this open and munch over time. My only caution, don’t keep overnight w/o a fridge. Most hotels have fridges in the room nowadays, don’t be afraid to use it! The triscuit, cheese, and pepperoni make a mean little sandwich hahaha!
- Broccoli
- Naval orange
- Triscuit crackers
- Turkey pepperoni
- Low fat ranch dressing
- Grapes
- Cheese squares
- Cherry tomatoes
Example 2: Elevated Auntie Unapologetic
This version gives I’m traveling, but I won’t stand for less than chopsticks 🍣😆. I do not make the sushi myself, but I do enjoy this little wonder when traveling.
- Spicy salmon sushi roll
- Spicy tuna sushi roll
- Veggie wrap with hummus
- Triscuit crackers
- White Cheddar cheese squares
Example 3: Basic Betty 😆 Keep it Simple
Sometimes we’re in a rush and need quick, fast, but still hits the high points. Although I no longer use these containers (they leak 😕) I do use this quick trip snack often when packing. This is also TSA approved!
- Carrot chips
- Blueberries
- Pumpkin Seeds
- (not pictured) ranch for dipping
The Container
- Cold goods section
- Dry goods section
- Utensils
- Coffee thermos
- Water bottle
- Food Containers
I must say, after many years of trying many things, Coleman knows what they are doing when it comes to coolers. My Go Tos are:
Made with rugged handles to comfortably trek from backyard to campground to beach, the Coleman Pro 45-Quart hard cooler keeps your snacks and beverages cold for up to 4 days.
I purchased this cooler as a gift to Myself for mothers day last year and I DO NOT regret it. Trip after trip it does the job keeping my items cool while I’m traveling. It is pricey, so be forewarned. However for me, I’ve easily seen return on this investment simply by packing food during many travels. You can find it here.
This thermal bottle is ready for anything. Engineered with heavy-gauge, cold-rolled stainless steel, the 1.4-quart Stanley Forge keeps your beverages at temperature—and you can use its lid as a cup.
At the time I purchased this item it was on clearance for $35!! SCORE! I can’t promise it’s still that price, but make sure you look for the price in store instead of online. Here’s the link.
For containers, I go ham in this previous post. Check out a few good ones here 👇🏾:
Alright, phew I know this was a long one…. but I try to be as REAL as possible that living a health forward life is hard, the world does not make it easy. However, we CAN DO IT! With a bit of style and grace 🍎☺️
✌🏾J
Let’s Take This Journey Together
If you choose to continue this journey with the book, I highly encourage you to mark it up! Don’t treat it so precious, that you don’t take advantage of the tools and bookmarks. They were very intentionally created for you to use direct.
Order your copy today on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMD4G2FM
I’m cheering for you!!
