You are always on the move as a travel nurse.
You’re packing your bags and heading to hospitals across the country to help fill staffing shortages.
As much as you are helping people with their health, it can be tough for you to tend to your own health — especially when there aren’t many healthy food options in the vending machines
But you know that finding nutritious snacks on the go is crucial for keeping your energy levels high while on assignment.
Whether you’re headed to a hospital or an airplane, you need healthy snack options.
In this guide, you will learn about 15 healthy snacks for travel nurses that can help keep you fueled throughout your next travel assignment.
Table of Contents
- Why Is It Important for Travel Nurses to Make Healthy Snack Choices?
- How Can a Travel Nurse Eat Healthy?
- 15 Healthy Grab-And-Go Snacks for Travel Nurses
- Land Your Dream Travel Nurse Assignment With Trusted Nurse Staffing
Why Is It Important for Travel Nurses to Make Healthy Snack Choices?
Healthy snack choices make a big impact on the health and well-being of travel nurses.
When nurses stick to a healthy diet, they can avoid developing health problems while on the job.
Additionally, healthy snacks for travel nurses can:
- Maintain energy levels
- Avoid anemia and other deficiencies
- Avoid fatigue and poor performance; and
- Stay alert and motivated during their shifts
Healthy snacks keep your mental skills sharp so that when it comes time to treat a patient or perform a procedure, you’re not dulled by hunger or low blood sugar.
In addition, making healthy snack choices can help improve the overall work-life balance for travel nurses.
If you are committed to the health of others, as well as your health and fitness, a career in travel nursing may be a great next move for you.
Not sure where to learn more about how to start travel nursing? Let the professionals at Trusted Nurse Staffing help you.
Click below to create your free profile and get more information about a career in travel nursing with Trusted Nurse Staffing.
How Can a Travel Nurse Eat Healthy?
It’s challenging to eat healthy as a travel nurse — but not impossible.
Some tips for eating healthy include:
- Create a meal plan
- Avoid excessive snacking
- Choose healthier options when dining out
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day; and
- Supplement with healthy snacks and water
15 Healthy Grab-And-Go Snacks for Travel Nurses
Your nursing shifts can be long and tiring.
Between working long hours and dealing with the stresses of travel, you should ensure you have plenty of nutritious snacks on hand to keep you going as a travel nurse.
Here are 15 healthy snacks for travel nurses that are easy to stick in a lunchbox, take to work, and rely on to keep you energized and focused.
#1: Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts are a great snack for travel nurses because they’re packed with:
- Protein
- Fiber; and
- Healthy fats
Nuts also contain antioxidants that help prevent illness and disease, so you can work feeling your best.
#2: Mini Cucumber
Mini cucumbers are the perfect healthy snack for travel nurses because they’re small and light, making them easy to pack away in your purse or bag.
One-half a cup of mini cucumbers contains about eight calories, as well as:
- Vitamin K
- Potassium; and
- Vitamin C
They have the same nutritional value as regular cucumbers without taking up too much space.
You can also eat this snack on the go because mini cucumbers are easy to hold while walking around at work.
#3: Hummus and Veggies
Hummus and veggies is a delicious snack combination to have on hand when you’re on the go.
Hummus and veggies contain …
- Protein
- Fiber; and
- Iron
… which are all important for keeping your energy levels up while traveling.
Adding hummus to veggies can make them more filling and nutritious.
For example, try spreading hummus over celery sticks or use it as a dip for raw veggies, such as broccoli florets or bell peppers.
#4: String Cheese
String cheese is a great snack to keep in your bag or purse. You can also easily bring it with you on the go, as it doesn’t require any preparation.
It is also high in …
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A; and
- Vitamin B12
… and other nutrients that may lack when on the go all the time.
String cheese is also packed with protein, which helps you to stay full longer and provides energy for activities such as being on your feet for long periods.
#5: Almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, which provide your body with important nutrients that can help you feel full.
They also contain vitamin E and magnesium, both of which are great for your heart and brain. In addition, they aid digestion by regulating bowel movements while keeping bad bacteria in check.
Almonds are a perfect on-the-go option for travel nurses because they are:
- Portable
- Nutritious
- Easy to pack into a bag or pocket; and
- Don’t require refrigeration, as other snacks do
Plus, they can come in different flavors, like honey roasted, wasabi, and lightly salted.
#6: Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great go-to snack for travel nurses because of its:
- High protein content
- Incredible source of probiotics; and
- Versatility
You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream or mayonnaise. It’s also great tasting on its own or with a few blueberries or granola topping.
#7: Popcorn
Popcorn is a great snack for travel nurses because it’s a whole grain.
It’s full of fiber and antioxidants — and that can help lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Popcorn is also rich in nutrients like:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron; and
- Folate
If you don’t have access to a microwave at work, popcorn can still be your go-to snack.
Just buy some pre-packaged popcorn, which is portable and easy to find in most stores.
#8: Protein Shakes
A protein shake can be used as a meal replacement or as an on-the-go healthy snack for travel nurses.
Protein shakes can be a significant source of:
- Protein
- Fiber
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins; and
- Minerals
If you want to increase the nutritional value of your protein shakes, add fresh or frozen fruit with a portable blender you can easily pack and bring to work.
#9: Jerky
If you are still wondering, “How can a travel nurse eat healthy?” — jerky is a great snack option.
It’s high in protein and keeps you full without unnecessary fats.
There are a variety of flavors to choose from, including:
- Teriyaki
- BBQ; and
- Plain smoked
A few pieces of beef jerky can satisfy even the biggest appetites.
So, if you eat some after every shift, you’ll be less tempted to grab something from the vending machine or drive-through during your next break.
#10: Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are one of the most healthy snacks for travel nurses, as they provide an incredible source of:
- Protein
- Fiber; and
- Iron
For example, one cup of chickpeas contains 40 grams of protein — which is more than the amount found in six eggs. Eggs also provide 140% of the daily recommended intake of fiber and 69% of your iron needs.
As a travel nurse who is constantly on the go, you can easily make roasted chickpeas at home or order pre-made ones from Amazon — either way, it’ll be a quick and tasty snack.
#11: Fruit
Fruit is a great snack to have on hand when you’re working.
Portable fruits, like …
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Bananas; and
- Peaches
… that don’t need to be cut or peeled are the best options.
Fruits are full of vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and water — not to mention they often have fewer calories than other snacks.
Versatile snacks, like fruit, can be eaten raw or added to cereal or yogurt for breakfast.
#12: Whole Grain Granola Bars
If you’re looking for something to grab on the go that’s …
- Low in sugar
- High in protein; and
- Loads of fiber
… whole grain granola bars are a great choice.
Just be sure to read the label before purchasing them.
Granola bars can contain lots of added sugars or oils that aren’t healthy for your body — so make sure the brand you buy isn’t loaded with those ingredients.
You can also try making your own by following a recipe online as a starting point.
#13: Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas should be added to your list of healthy snacks for travel nurses.
These crunchy pods are filled with:
- Protein
- Fiber; and
- Vitamin C
You can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks, and they taste great raw — which is another reason they’re a good choice for busy travel nurses.
#14: Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a significant source of protein, making them perfect for long workdays.
Eggs are easy to boil and pack, allowing you to enjoy them any time of day, as they can be eaten cold or nuked in a microwave for convenience.
Hard-boiled eggs also have many health benefits that make them ideal travel nurse snacks because they:
- Are high in protein and low in fat
- Don’t need refrigeration until after they are opened; and
- Require minimal preparation time before being consumed
Besides all these perks, hard-boiled eggs take up very little space in your bag.
#15: Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it an ideal healthy snack for travel nurses.
Cottage cheese offers benefits such as:
- High protein
- Low fat; and
- Single-serve packaging
Just be sure to pack it in an insulated lunchbox or cooler because it tastes best cold.
Land Your Dream Travel Nurse Assignment With Trusted Nurse Staffing
Travel nursing is a great way to see the world and make some money at the same time.
Trusted Nurse Staffing is one of the best agencies out there, as we are a company that has built our reputation by putting travel nurses first.
Our track record speaks for itself because we’re voted the #1 travel nursing company in 2022.
If you want to work with an agency that has been around for years, Trusted Nurse Staffing should be your first choice. Contact us today.