Delicious on-the-go meals & snacks

Sometimes, a quick summer vacation isn’t as relaxing as it should be. Beat the stress and create a mobile meal that has staying power. You better believe this easy meal won’t cut into your R&R!

Trail Mix

This meal starts with something I call travel fuel. It’s a nice balance of sweet and salty.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup macadamia nuts
1/3 cup sun-dried cherries
1/3 cup sesame crusted cashews
1/3 dried apricots
1/3 cup M&Ms (optional)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Directions:
Just shake it all up in a Ziploc bag for the perfect combination of healthy and satisfying.

Sub sandwich

The trick here is to use no mayo, poultry or uncured meats — these would spoil. Instead, use mustard, oil and vinegar, and cured meats (ham, salami, coppacola). Add a nice, hearty leaf lettuce, provolone cheese, some pepperoncinis and black olives. Roasted red peppers or pesto stands in for mustard, oil and vinegar to change the taste of the sub and still help preserve it . Avoid soggy sub syndrome by putting the moist toppings in the middle, layered on either side with lettuce. This sandwich goes the distance!

Salad Diva

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked orzo (small Italian pasta) 
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons capers (I rinse these because sometimes they are too salty)
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
A healthy splash of rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Lemon juice

Directions:
1. Place some shredded lettuce, preferably romaine, in the bottom of a glass mason jar.
2. Layer all the ingredients on top of the lettuce.
3. Put the jar in your cooler with ice, and you’re ready to hit the road!

As a sweet finish for the last few miles, add a smear of Nutello (hazelnut chocolate spread) to Rice Krispie treats. I’m talking about an easy, guilt-free dessert here that’s as good as any candy bar!

More on-the-go meal ideas:

• Diet strategies for women on the go
• 22 Healthy high-protein snacks
• Fast morning meals for Mom’s busy family