I somehow managed to do two things that scare the living daylights out of me – travel alone long-distance and engage in a very large social setting where I don’t know many people. For some, this is no big deal, but when you have bad anxiety the apprehension can feel crippling at times. I made the decision to work through the fear step by step of my trip. Of course, it wasn’t nearly as hard as I imagined it to be and I had a great time hanging out with many new and long-time blog buddies at the Vida Vegan Con. As my lovely roomie Hannah said, you can only conquer anxiety by doing exactly what you are afraid of. Isn’t that the truth. Nothing feels better than doing something you originally didn’t believe you could do. It’s so empowering. The beauty is that each conquered step makes the next one a bit easier.
The love and attention to detail that was poured into this conference was so apparent. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a more welcoming, friendly setting with a better group of people. The good times were a rollin’ and the time went by much too fast. I met a lot of amazing bloggers and authors, but there were still so many I didn’t get a chance to say hello to or even get a photo with. Next time. :)
While I’m getting caught up on work and getting ready for another trip this week, I thought I’d show you some simple snacks that I packed for my flights. This list is hardly the final word on airplane snacking, but it’s simply a glimpse of what I enjoyed during this particular trip. I’d love to hear your own suggestions below!
When I pack food for a flight these are the things I try to keep in mind:
1. Hydration (high-water foods sneak in extra water)
2. Protein for satiety
3. Foods that take a long time to eat like sliced vegetables or firm dried fruit.
4. Crunchy foods to keep the mouth busy when bored
5. Things that hold up well and don’t fall apart or bruise
Here are some of the things I packed:
1. Grapes
I stuffed a zip bag to the brim with grapes for my flight from Toronto to Vancouver and it was honestly one of my favourite snacks of the entire trip! Grapes are so hydrating and hold up very well – two major points, plus they just taste great. Watermelon chunks or pineapple would also be a super hydrating option if grapes aren’t your thing.
Side note: When I eat fruit during travel I try to do so on an empty stomach. I’ve made the mistake of eating fruit after a protein-rich snack on a flight and I suffered a lot of stomach pain (fruit breaks down much faster than protein). When I make a point to eat fruit on an empty stomach, I rarely have issues, but of course everyone’s tummy will be different!
2. Dried Fruit
Speaking of fruit, I try not to pack fruit that bruises easily like delicate fresh pears. Dried pear slices (or any other dried fruit) can be a great option. I found this bag of dried pears at a store called Food Fight in Portland. They are super chewy and took a really long time to eat which is a major plus for someone who is a boredom snacker. Of course, you can also make your own dried fruit at home using a dehydrator or an oven on the lowest setting.
3. Coconut Water
I drank this coconut water before heading home on my first flight yesterday and I felt so hydrated during the flight. Coconut water isn’t something I normally buy, but since I was fairly dehydrated on this trip I knew it would do me a lot of good!
4. Roasted Chickpeas (or other crunchy crackers like Mary’s Crackers)
I also found these protein-packed gems at Food Fight in Portland and saved them for the flights home. They are super crunchy (to the point where you feel like you might break a tooth in some cases!) and also take a long time to eat. My only complaint is that the pepper flavour is really spicy and I would’ve preferred a less spicy flavour for traveling. My mouth was on fire eating these! Not ideal. You can also make your own roasted chickpeas at home, but they will turn soft very quickly. A reader let me know that this product is also available at Noah’s in Toronto – so keep your eyes peeled!
5. Protein Bars or Energy Bites (homemade or store-bought)
I always have a protein bar tucked away in my purse when I travel. Sometimes I just pick up a couple vegan bars from the store to stash in my purse or if I have time, I make them before the trip. Shown below are my Last Minute Protein Energy Bars or you can try my recent Banana Bread Protein Bars too. Both are fairly delicate though and shouldn’t be in very hot temperatures or stuffed into a suitcase. If you are looking for raw energy bite recipes try my Chocolate Chip Cookie Larabar Knockoffs or my Dark Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites, to name a couple good ones. Energy bites/bars are great when you are starving and you need a burst of energy…or bust.
6. Super Power Chia Bread
Ok, scratch what I said about the grapes. This bread was hands down my favourite snack of the entire trip! I’m in love. I actually wished I brought a double batch with me because I ran out of the bread by Saturday and would’ve loved to have some for my flights home! It held up perfectly and was great paired with hummus, packets of almond butter, or just enjoyed plain. I got into my hotel late on Thursday night and it was the first snack that I reached for to tame the hunger. Worked like a charm.
Many of you have already made this bread and left some great comments with your adaptations, so be sure to check out the original post and comments for ideas! I just got home last night and I’ve already made a double batch. I have issues.
7. Sliced Cucumbers & Carrots + Hummus
This post wouldn’t be complete without sliced vegetables! I packed this hydrating snack in my bag on the way to Portland. I peeled and sliced an entire English cucumber as well as a few carrots (to make two stuffed zip bags). Then I brought along a container of hummus to go with it. Keep in mind most spreads like hummus have to be under 100 ml when going through security (I, of course, went WAY over and they threw half of it out….*sad face*). Sliced veggies also take a long time to eat and keep me a happy traveler during a long flight.
I’m off to visit San Francisco with my mom and sister Kristi later this week (we’re celebrating our birthdays!), so I’ll be sure to pack a bunch of these snacks once again. If anyone has any suggestions on what to see and do (or skip) while in San Fran I’d love your tips!
Wishing you safe & happy travels this summer and beyond.
I love those ideas. I always try to pack along protein rich snacks while traveling (plane or car). I really like knowing that I have something in case I get super hungry and won’t have to rely on something I won’t necessarily like by stopping at gas station.
It was such a treat getting to meet you at Vida Vegan Con, Angela! That’s a great insight from Hannah. It’s not easy to face our fears, but it certainly feels empowering after it’s done! Enjoy the rest of your travels!
So nice meeting you too Cadry! You are such a sweet person and I look forward to seeing you again!
Angela,
I loved all your portable snack ideas. It’s so hilarious to say “crunchy snacks for when your mouth gets bored,” but it’s SO true…you really get it! You should really do a post on your skin care regimen. Your skin is so flawless and I’m sure other readers out there would love to know what products your using and how you keep your skin glowing (besides eating well and staying hydrated, off course!)
Thanks :)
Thank you Wendy – I will try to do a post on that soon!
Angela, that’s wonderful that you had a chance to step outside of your comfort zone and crush your fears. That’s the best west to grow. It feels great too :)
Love your snack list – everything looks delicious. I love grapes, but I haven’t had too much success carrying them around with me on long trips. They never seem to hold up & end up getting crushed. Everything else is perfect though – love the protein bars you have shown; are those homemade?
Here are couple of other ideas to add to the list:
*Make your own trail mix with nuts, raisins & include your roasted chickpeas :)
*Carry whey protein with you in a zip-lock bag & make a shake anywhere.
Congrats to you for facing your fears, I found it interesting to hear you talk about your issues with anxiety as this is something I struggle with too.
So jealous of your San Fran trip its a great place, back in the fall my boyfriend and I visited a great restaurant in the mission district, think it was on 16th, called Andalu. It was a pretty sketchy area to walk around but worth it for the craziness and the amazing night we had at this restaurant. The food is fun little tapas style dishes, great fresh flavours and unusual combinations, the service is great and the atmosphere really cool, I would highly recommend it!
Love your blog! Thanks for sharing your story of conquering your fears. I’ve had to do a lot of that lately and it’s wonderful to see what little power they really have.
If you get a chance, visit SFMOMA. It will be free through this weekend before they close for a 2 year remodel.
For a slice of “only in SF” life, check out the farmer’s market at the Ferry Building on Sat. You can eat amazing food while overlooking the bay.
Enjoy your trip!
What a wonderful trip…with great snacks too! Have a wonderful trip with your family…I was just with mine and it was such a special time!
When I visited SF with friends from Scotland last year, we went to Herbivore on Divisadero. It was great. If you are near Alamo Square to see the Painted Ladies…you’ll be really close to the restuarant.
What a fun time and you should feel SO PROUD for overcoming and living outside the “comfort zone”. I bet you will inspire others too! Also well done on the travel snacks!
If you have time (and a car) you MUST drive over the Bay Bridge and eat at Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley (1730 Shattuck Ave Berkeley, CA 94709), they are a wonderful vegan/raw option with a few locations throughout California. I ALWAYS eat at the one in Santa Cruz and love their creative and delightfully fresh menu.
In SF, a picnic in Golden Gate park is always called for and a walk on the beach at Crissy Field under the Golden Gate will make for lovely photos.
It was a dream come true having met you, lovely lady! :D Glad you enjoyed the conference!
Angela,
It was so lovely to have time with you at VVC. It was wonderful to be in your presence and to see your smiling face (we must make that happen more often!). The weekend would not have been the same without you.
I hope you’re having fun in San Fran. I highly recommend Gracias Madre and Millenium. Both delicious and with lots of GF and SF options.
I hope to see you soon. I miss you and Hannah already.
xoxo
Lisa
The Vegan Charcuterie Plate at Gather in Berkeley is worth crossing the bridge for! Or hopping on BART for (it’s just a block away from the Downtown Berkeley BART station.
Have a great time in SF!
I always find snacking a challenge unless you are prepared. Most of the stuff available to buy in places like airports, hotel lobbies and other spots that are likely to be handy while you are travelling tend to be unhealthy.
Thanks for sharing these great snack ideas. I am going to give the Chia Bread and some of your protein bar recipes a try.
And great work overcoming your fears!
were you able to bring the coconut water in a carry on? I am getting ready to travel and found your list very helpful!
No I bought it once through security :-)
Perfect travel snack ideas!! I just flew to San Francisco for my birthday last week and wish this had been out before I left :) while you’re in San Fran, I would totally recommend the Ferry Building Marketplace (a bit touristy, but worth it!) and there’s a Coastal Trail from Lands end up to the golden gate bridge. There’s a bus that will take you right to the start and the views and beaches and (hopefully!) sunshine make for an incredibly uplifting experience. Probably the most beautiful hiking trail I’ve ever been on, and easy enough that I did it in my Sperrys – if you feel like a bit of exercise outside of going up and down hilly city streets, this is your best bet!
So nice to hear the conference was great and full of amazing people! Great snack choices – so spot on with the with the chewy dried fruit (I too get weirdly starving on planes) thanks for the ideas!
I’m traveling this week with my 4.5 year old twin boys, very thankful for this post right now! Quick question on the hummus. Did you do store bought or home made? Just wondering if I can get home made through security.
Love your blog and can’t wait for your cookbook! Just wondering what size pan to use for the Last Minute Protein Energy Bars. Thanks!
i love savory things and fresh veggies and hummus. i am always packed to the brim with food. every minute i am not eating i will get motion sick:))
i hear you about the anxiety and hannah is right. its baby steps to do what makes me anxxious then i realize i am not anxious doing these 5 steps, so i can do 2 more:)