Healthy Plane Snacks

The days of stomach-filling mid-flight meals on airplanes have become history. In fact, many airlines low fare airline do not provide any kind of nourishment apart from beverages. But it's not good to go hungry on a long plane journey as an empty stomach may result in flight sickness and nausea. Here are some of TSA-approved healthy snacks you may pack for yourself for a lengthy flight.

Trail Mix for protein and oils

One of the best meals for a lengthy flight is homemade trail mix. Besides being healthy, it is easy to carry and can be eaten a little at a time throughout the flight. The mix should contain one or two types of your favorite nuts such as peanuts, cashew nuts, pecans, almonds and walnuts; one or two types of dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, blueberries, bits of apple and pieces of apricot; chunks of dark chocolate and sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This mix contains all the nutrients, including protein and healthy oils for a day. Make sure to pack more than you will actually need for unanticipated circumstances such as long flight delays.

Fruits and Vegetables for vitamins

The importance of fruits and vegetables cannot be exaggerated. Take large zipped bag and pack one or two types of your favorite fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, strawberries and seedless green grapes. Add some vegetables like cucumber wheels, zucchini wheels, baby carrots and celery sticks. These contain all the vitamins and fiber you will need in a day.

Popcorn to fill you up:

Popcorn is a whole-grain meal that fills you up without adding a lot of calories. It also a good source of fiber which is essential for your digestive system. Make air-popped or stove-popped popcorn in canola oil the night before the flight, add a little salt, and pack it in a large zipped plastic bag. You should microwave popcorn as they usually have high fat and calories content.

Fun Snacks for variety:

Depending upon your destination, you may pack some fun snacks to add variety to the meal. Take boiled peanuts if you are heading for the deep South. If you are going to Hawaii, take dried pineapples and coconut. Pack whole-grain tortilla chunks if you are going West. And if your destination is the northeast, then pack cranberry bread.

Avoid these snacks:

Snacks that are messy and that can cause gastrointestinal problems should be a definite no-no. These include beans, sweet potatoes, and spicy and greasy food. Also, remember that drinks exceeding 3.4 oz are prohibited by TSA, and some foreign countries may have restrictions on leftover snacks.