As some might have grumbled at losing an hour of sleep during Daylight Savings, we are supremely happy to welcome the longer days and rising temperatures that signal the arrival of spring.  While warmer weather is on the horizon for NYC, some of you may have upcoming trips planned for spring break vacations. And although it's a great time to unwind and relax, spring break shouldn't mean abandoning the healthy eating habits you've been developing.  Finding or choosing a healthy meal or snack during your travels may not always prove easy, but whether you're traveling by plane, car, or train we've come up with some healthy snack ideas to keep you fueled and satisfied, even before you arrive at your vacation destination.

Fruit can be quite the healthy choice on-the-go and a sweet snack, but a whole apple or fresh peach can take up precious space in your carry-on bag and get easily bruised. Don't worry, you won't have to give up this rich source of immune-boosting vitamins and antioxidants and settle for potato chips. Try packing dried apple rings, banana slices, or apricots instead. Of course anyone in need of monitoring carb intake or limiting sugar intake should be careful to measure portion sizes when it comes to dried fruits.

For another portable and healthy snack that's high in fiber and big on crunch, toss some raw vegetables into a small baggie. Crunchy carrots or celery, which are low in calories and high in vitamins, are great for munching on when you're traveling in small spaces- they're practically odorless and won't create a sticky mess! If you were busy packing your suitcase and forgot to prep your veggie packs, you can certainly find healthy veggie chips and crisps at newsstands and gas stations. Try Brad's Raw Crunchy Kale chips- they are neither baked nor fried, rather dehydrated to preserve the essential nutrients in kale that make it a superstar.

A healthy amount of carbohydrate-based snacking is important to fuel the constant moving and action that accompanies traveling. Not only is traveling a physically demanding endeavor, but it requires a good amount of mental energy and patience so don't forget to fuel up before and during your travel experience. Complex carbohydrates, which are composed of two or more simple sugars, will provide the busy traveler with beneficial fiber that will promote a healthy gut, regularity, and stable blood sugar. Search for whole-wheat crackers and whole grain options at airport and train stations, or make your own oat-based granola bars or no-bake energy bites (recipe below!).

What else is important to include to keep your energy level up and stabilize your blood sugar during those long stretches of highway driving or plane delays? Protein! Great animal sources of protein include slices of low-fat cheese, beef or bison jerky, hard-boiled eggs (only if your travel companions don't mind the smell!), or travel packets of tuna or sardines. If you're looking for plant-based protein snacks throw in some unsalted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts. Beans and legumes are also another great protein punch, and hummus doesn't have to be the only way to enjoy chickpeas on the go- try the recipe below for Sweet and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas that packs up nicely and will give you that much needed boost during your travels.

Staying fueled and satisfied during travels is important, and choosing healthy snacks on the way to your destination will make your vacation all the more enjoyable. Happy and healthy travels!

Sweet Potato Energy Bites

Recipe courtesy of Lindsay L. and The Lean Green Bean

Serves 16 balls

Ingredients

� cup oats

3 Tbsp hemp seeds

� cup pumpkin seeds, shelled

1 Tbsp chia seeds

� cup almonds (or other nut)

6 Tbsp peanut butter

� cup cooked sweet potato

� cup mashed banana

� tsp cinnamon (more if desired)

1-2 Tbsp maple syrup/honey, optional

� cup chocolate chips, optional

Instructions

1. Combine oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp, chia and almonds in a food processor and pulse several times to crush nuts.
2. Add remaining ingredients and process to combine.
3. Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.
4. Pour dough onto plastic wrap, squeeze to form into large ball, wrap and freeze for 30-45 min.
5. Remove dough and portion into snack-sized balls. Store in the freezer.

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Serves 7 (serving size � cup)

Ingredients

2 15.5 ounce cans of chickpeas, rinsed, drained and thoroughly dried

1 tablespoon canola oil

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

� teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cumin

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425� F.
2. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Using a paper towel or clean dishtowel, thoroughly dry the chickpeas.  The drier the chickpeas are, the more the seasoning mix will stick.  Place chickpeas on a cookie sheet or sheet tray in a single layer.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and cumin. Drizzle the spice mixture over the dry chickpeas tossing to coat. Ensure each chickpea is thoroughly coated in the spice mixture.
4. Bake for a total of 45-50 minutes, tossing chickpeas carefully every 15 minutes.
5. After 35 minutes of baking, remove chickpeas and drizzle on the tablespoon of maple syrup - stir chickpeas carefully ensuring all are coated in the maple syrup.
6. Bake for the remaining 10-15 minutes or until chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy.  

Nutrition Information

Calories: 202; Total fat: 5g; Saturated fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 600mg; Carbohydrates: 31g; Fiber: 8g; Sugars: 7g; Protein: 9g; Potassium: 165mg; Phosphorus: 104mg