guide to road trip eating

I’m hungry! Are we theeeeeere yet? I need to pee….

That’s the soundtrack of every good car ride, right? Perfect background music, the kind that only gets more on your nerves each time another little voice pipes up from the back seat.

Ever since bringing my car down to Maryland in June, I’ve driven hundreds of miles, going back and forth between school, home, and to the occasional friend’s house. I like to think of myself as a bit of a ‘long drive expert’ by now. There are certain tricks to the trade, rules of thumb to make the hours spent on the road more pleasant.

• Take advantage of the bathroom. Already went? Doesn’t matter, go again. Murphy’s Law declares that even if you just don’t have to go now, as soon as you get on that first stretch of highway, your bladder will need to explode.
• Get good listening material. Music, podcasts, audiobooks. Anything to get your mind off the numbing sensation creeping into your thighs and that cramp in your fingers. Try not to think about the need to stretch your back either.
• Stop at caffeination station. “Coffee first” isn’t just for first thing in the morning. Bring a travel mug with you or grab a cup somewhere along the way. Just be mindful of the fact that hot drinks can pose difficulties and distractions while driving, so maybe opt for an iced latte instead.
• Feed me, Seymour. All right, so this isn’t Little Shop of Horrors. But you know what, sometimes when I’m feeling hangry, it’s not such a far jump to a giant, voracious plant. This is actually my number one rule for car rides. Always, always, always bring snacks. You don’t want to end up at a rest stop along the way, starving and staring at a wall full of unhealthy, processed foods that are only going to make you feel worse.

For a while I struggled to figure out what to pack in my lunchbag. How do you strike that fine balance between hands-free and filling foodstuffs? It’s a question I ask myself all the time, and then continuously fail to come up with a good answer to. So, I gathered a list of ideas from fellow foodie bloggers (and yours truly) to get you started!

DIY Trail Mix

Easy step-by-step instructions on how to create your own, customized batch.

Pumpkin Spice Chickpeas

Full of fiber and protein, these are the perfect fall road trip snack to bring along.

Paleo Apple Crisp Muffins

Your car is about to get way cozier with a batch of these muffins in hand.

6-Ingredient Paleo Granola Bars

Simple and basic, these granola bars are great for when it’s your turn to get behind the wheel.

Feta Grilled Cheese

If it’s lunchtime, then this sandwich is exactly what you’ll want to stay full and focused.

Pumpkin Popcorn

No matter what you bring to eat, there’s always a case of the munchies when you sit for too long.

Apple Cashew Snack Bites

All the healthy fats give you the boost of energy your body needs mid-travels.

Well, now you’ve got plenty of easy, healthy recipes to get started. That road trip soundtrack just got a little tastier to bear, don’t you think? Happy travels!

If you try any of these recipes, I and the other creators would love your feedback. Leave a comment below, save it on Pinterest, or tag #lensesandlentils on Instagram to share!