Since I published this post in January 2016, I have developed my own travel kits available for purchase! Click here to learn more.
Did you know that ice packs are TSA friendly (as long as their frozen)? This totally changed my long day travel game. I used to bring food to eat pretty immediate upon airport arrival, but now even an early morning departure works for bringing an on the go healthy lunch.
I have a two-fold motivation when it comes to toting along mysterious ziplocs of kitchen goods anywhere I travel. Without getting into too much detail (and as I have learned is more commonly the norm than not), I have 'stomach issues.' Issues that I obviously try to take all measures to avoid, especially during travel. So while I am motivated to keep up a healthy routine while away, I have also learned that my body always thanks me later when I have a portable pantry in tow.
I have a basic list I bring regardless of my access to a kitchen and a slightly more expansive one if my accommodations come blender ready. My one rule is that nut butter is the only travel size ingredient I allow myself to purchase. It is just too complicated to try to transport individual servings of it otherwise. While the fun and handy travel size hemp heart packs and alike are tempting, they end up being so much more expensive than simply going ziploc crazy.
Basic Packing List (with or without kitchen access):
Overnight oats base for AM flight (nut milk+chia seeds+oats)
Ovenight oats toppings of AM flight (fruit+nuts+any other toppings below)
Chia seeds
Hemp seeds
Cacao nibs
Raw or sprouted nuts
Dates or other dried fruit (with no added sugar)
Nut butter packets
A container of grain based salad that can stay at room temperature for PM flight
Fruit/raw veggies/a healthy dipper (can be used with nut butter or airport hummus/dips)
Powdered fiber (add to hot beverages)
Granola (my current favorite is flavored with maple syrup/honey)
Additional Items for Kitchen Access
Maca and/or Cacao powder (blend in smoothies for morning energy)
Serving size ziplocs of oatmeal
Serving size ziplocs of protein powder for smoothies
Raw shredded coconut
Any other superfoods or adaptogens you use regularly