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The Healthy Traveler: Carry-On Nutritious Snacks
Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Business or pleasure travel can wreak havoc on a healthy lifestyle. Did you return from your last trip weighed down by high-calorie foods from the airport concession stand or unhealthy snacks on the plane? And what about that tempting butternut squash ravioli with butter sauce at your business dinner? Unfortunately, it's all too easy come back with a few extra pounds from more than just souvenirs.

But here's the good news. You can travel and follow the South Beach Diet guidelines. It just takes a little planning and some room in your carry-on bag.

The South Beach Diet (2003, Rodale Inc.), the best-seller by Dr. Arthur Agatston, offers a flexible weight-loss plan. It encourages you to eat a variety of foods, such as lean sources of protein, reduced-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and the right fats like olive and canola oil.

So, how does that work when you travel?

Simple. Focus on eating lean sources of protein, reduced fat cheeses and dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and right fats like olive and canola oil.

Problems arise when you skip a meal, which is easy to do when you have an early morning flight or a travel delay. You can also be tempted when you crave something sweet. It can be difficult to turn down dessert when you're dining out, unless you have brought a sweet treat like The Kraft South Beach Diet Oatmeal Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookies with you.

So, be prepared! Plan ahead and take a few portable "goodies" wherever you go. Your South Beach Survival Kit can include the following:

Cereal bars, snacks and meal replacement bars that fit the South Beach Diet nutrition guidelines. These delicious foods are loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals to satisfy your hunger and keep you on track. They're small enough to fit inside a purse or a pocket. They come in a variety of flavors that will also satisfy your sweet tooth.
Reduced fat mozzarella cheese sticks in individual portions. These are easy to take with you and also curb those cravings.
Fresh vegetables in resealable plastic bags. Before you go, prepare strips of zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers or stop at a grocery store salad bar and load up. Eat as much as you want!
A serving of fresh fruit like blueberries or cantaloupe. Enjoy these in the morning for breakfast, then take an apple from the hotel lobby or breakfast bar for yourflight home.
Vegetable juice. Get a liquid vegetable serving and avoid sugary drinks when you pack small cans of vegetable juice.

When you bring all these good-tasting, good-for-you foods, traveling can be yet another healthy pleasure.

For more information on travel-friendly South Beach Diet cereal bars, snacks, and meal replacement bars, visit kraft.com. Plus, for more information on the South Beach Diet, visit southbeachdiet.com.

SOURCE: Kraft South Beach Diet