Naazneen Sali-Ameen, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager at Nestlé South Africa says, having the right snacks readily available, not only saves you time and money in the long run, but also eliminates irregular eating habits and can be the start of a memorable family tradition.
Below, are simple ‘padkos’ tips ahead of the upcoming holiday season.
- Need breakfast on the go? Pack whole-wheat rolls or wraps with a boiled egg, some tomatoes and lettuce. Wrap the finished product in tinfoil for storage purposes, and unwrap one side when you are ready to eat. This will prevent the contents from landing on the floor of your car. From a drinks perspective, add an ice cold Milo to the mix to give your body a boost of calcium and vitamins.
Picture: Instagram (annsofievanenis)
- Mid-morning nibbles: Fresh or dried fruit, homemade popcorn, biltong or peanut and raisin mixes are great options. For children older than six, let them make their own snack necklaces the day before your trip. All you need are a few yummy items that can be threaded through some string i.e. wholegrain CHEERIOS, unsalted pretzels and dried apple pieces.
- Car lunches or dinner: Try and find a nice spot to stop, stretch your legs and take in the scenery or starry night sky – you are on holiday after all! A picnic lunch or dinner is a great idea and can give you and the kids a bit of a break. Handy pre-packed finger foods such as grilled chicken wings and drumsticks, meatballs, fruit, mielies, mini pitas, chilled cocktail tomatoes and sweet baby carrots are all great and simple additions.
- You may be on holiday, but remember to watch your serving sizes. Remember that your body requires different nutrients from different food sources, so it’s important to have a mix of starches, proteins, vegetables and/or fruits at every meal. Where possible, pre-pack your meals into the correct serving sizes before you travel, to avoid over-eating while on the road.
To determine the appropriate serving size of different food groups use the handy guide below.
- Stick to regular snacking and meal times: A cooler box full of delicious items coupled with boredom while travelling is never a good idea. If you start to feel hungry between meals, drink some water to help curb the craving and start a conversation or fun family game to keep your mind busy.
- To help keep food fresh throughout your journey, freeze a few bottles of water and strategically place them into your cooler box next to any dairy or fresh food items. Once you are close to your destination and the bottles have defrosted, you then have the option to drink them or use the water to wash any sticky hands or faces after meals or snacks.
Lastly, when putting together your ‘padkos’, don’t forget to pack all the goodies in leak proof containers. Packing disposable cutlery along with paper serviettes and wet wipes are also a great idea. If you are going on long road trips, avoid packing food that can melt or will go off quickly.
For more helpful tips on how to eat smarter and move more these holidays, go to www.nestlewellness.co.za or follow Nestlé on Twitter or Facebook.