I am a stress and boredom eater. Travel can induce both for me. Now with of bit of planning I am bringing sensible snacks and other distractions for my time in transit.
If it isn’t easy to eat, flavorful and temperature stable I don’t pack it. Avoid the chances of food poisoning and resist bringing foods that require refrigeration or ice packs. TSA can be frustrating sticklers. Sliced apples with a side of peanut butter in individual packets less than 3.4 oz will get you a thumbs up from the security officials but a single sized carton of yogurt exceeds the weight limit and will be confiscated. There goes your breakfast! You can’t bring water through a TSA checkpoint but ice in a carry-on bottle is OK. Go figure. I guess explosive liquids can’t be frozen. If you aren’t sure if your favorite treat will pass the mustard, check out this site. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/food
Sane Snacks:Nuts and Cheese– Boiled and salted edamame (look for beans that have already been shucked in the freezer section of your market) are great for a short trip. Cut up veggies and a small container (less than 3.4 oz) of hummus hits the spot when the munchies hit. Ready to pop into your mouth fresh fruit is a perpetual favorite. Whip up a batch of nut brittle (https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/salted-candied-almonds) for a salty/sweet nosh and be sure to tuck some dried fruit into your bag. Crave salt…bring a small reusable well sealed container of pickles and/or olives. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drink lots of water (your aisle mates will hopefully forgive you for repeat trips to the loo).
Distractions-Download a book or two on your favorite device (audio books are great if you have good earphones/buds) or go old school and take a real book. And don’t forget to have a few apps of guilty pleasure/mind-numbing games on your phone or tablet to while away transit downtime. Want some mental exercise? Challenge your device to a game of chess or Yatzee. Make the best of this quiet time. Relish the freedom from emails and texts. Take time to breath and enjoy your ‘me time’.