Food For Traveling With Children: Ideas And Tips
Proposing food for travel is not always easy, especially when there are children involved. In this case, planning and adaptability will be key to offering a healthy menu that meets nutritional needs.
It should be taken into account that travel meals tend to be of poor quality, as a general rule. They are made from industrial ultra-processed, so they do not provide essential nutrients for the body. Instead, they are a source of substances that, in large quantities, are harmful.
Meals for babies
It is important to ensure a suitable menu for babies. During this stage the nutritional requirements are very precise. There are several options available to ensure success.
Breast milk or formula
Breast milk is the best option to feed babies, as stated in a study published in Minerva Pediatrica . This product has all the essential nutrients that the child needs for the body to function optimally.
In case of opting for a formula product, it is important to avoid having added sugars inside. To do this, it is key to review the labeling.
Keep in mind that in both cases you have the possibility of introducing the food in a bottle, keeping it refrigerated until the moment of ingestion. Thus, the transport will be much more comfortable, in the event that you cannot offer the breast in the middle of the trip. Of course, do not forget the bib.
Baby food, the best food to travel with babies
The best jars are those made at home. To do this, you only have to crush a few fruits, with which you will achieve a result with a high concentration of vitamins. Even if you want to increase the caloric density, you can introduce a piece of meat, such as chicken, and vegetables, such as beans.
If you make them at home, put them in a small, tightly closed glass jar for transport. If you have the opportunity to sterilize them in a water bath, it would be the best.
Solid
Keep in mind that the option of solids may be the least recommended in food for travel, since the baby will take longer to consume them and there is not always enough time.
If you opt for this solution, it is usually a good idea to offer easy-to-handle chopped fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli. A protein serving will always be important at this time. Yogurt can also be a great solution.
Meals for young children
Young children feed more agile than babies. They need a lower level of care, although it is important to ensure that the food offered is of quality.
Fruit, the best food to travel
Fruit is always a safe value. It is a source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It can be transported whole or already peeled and chopped to facilitate later consumption.
Try combining fruits of different colors to provide different phytonutrients. In this way, health will be improved in the medium term by modulating the oxidative and inflammatory state.
Biscuits
Offering children cookies at lunch for travel is often critical. Most of these products are considered ultra- processed and include a large amount of added sugars. These elements are harmful when consumed in high amounts, according to a study published in the Journal of Hepatology .
It is best to make homemade cookies by controlling the ingredients used. If this is not possible, it is important to check the labels and choose those that have less simple sugars and trans fats.
Small snacks
A well-prepared sandwich can be a nutritious and complete preparation, ideal to eat on a trip. It is important to choose a quality bread and thus avoid white with refined wheat flour.
In addition, it must be ensured that a food with a high concentration of proteins of high biological value is included in it. Canned tuna can be a good solution.
To finish, it would be optimal to complement with a certain amount of vegetables, such as lettuce and tomato. Of course, avoid fatty sausages such as chorizo and derivatives, since their nutritional quality is very low.
Don’t let parents go hungry either!
For adults, somewhat more complex preparations can be made that will be stored in a tuper and easily transported. A cold salad with rice and tuna can be a great option. Even legumes have a place in these types of recipes. If there is the possibility of heating the preparation, you can take some lentils or a vegetable cream.
Plan meals for traveling with children
When traveling with children, it is important to plan meals correctly. In this way, possible nutritional deficits are avoided and a feeling of fatigue is generated due to lack of energy. To do this, follow the advice we have given you and you will guarantee success.
