Oh man do I love a good no bake cookie. It seriously brings me back to elementary school days. So delicious and chocolatey. Yum! The only problem is minus the oats and peanut butter they are awful for you. The other day I was staring at the ingredients trying to talk myself out of making and eating the whole batch (nevermind saving any for the trip that was coming up) when I got the idea to use coconut oil and add some ground flaxseed to make them a little better (I’m sure I’m not the first one to do this).

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I am frequently being asked about healthy food options that one can get through security with for toddlers and children. It’s no secret that airport and airplane food is not only overpriced, but usually unhealthy. Last time we are in JFK I bought three orders of chicken nuggets that were supposed to be 5 piece for about $4.50 each and they stiffed us a nugget in each tray! Needless to say I was a little upset.

It’s also best to avoid anything too sugary to feed your kids while stuck in a tight place for an extended period of time. Although I am an advocate of the emergency sucker for out of control meltdowns, I try to avoid super sugary foods and offer foods high in protein and fiber instead.

If you want to keep things cold for a bit consider packing a frozen gogurt or something similar in a cooler type lunch sack. These have worked great for us in the past and really helped us serve up some healthy options on the plane.

If you are running low on ideas here are some to jump start you (some have links to recipes):

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We just completed our ski vacation challenge for our 12 travel challenges in 2012 and we had such a blast! We spent the weekend at Snowbird in one of their awesome condos at the Cliff Lodge (more on that later). Because snowboarding and skiing works up a big appetite, especially for sweets, I decided to make some treats to bring up with us. ToddlerTravels had a blast helping to make these blondies and her favorite part was putting the M&M’s on top.  Make these for your next get-away!

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Let me just come right out and say it, I hate feeding my baby sugar. I feel utterly guilty and although she really enjoys it (she is my daughter!)  I feel bad the rest of the day. It’s getting easier, but still she eats a very healthy and balanced diet. But when you are traveling it is more likely to eat junk due to lack of options, so I like to pack snacks that I feel comfortable feeding my baby (not to mention you can save a ton of money this way).

This is a recipe for a cookie that is health(ier) and tastes really good. It’s also a great way to keep a fussy toddler quiet on a plane because it’s chewy. Finally, it’s a cookie that will stand up to a lot before crumbling. These are full of whole grains and have an extra pinch of protein with the added finely chopped nuts. What’s great is you can substitute chocolate chips for raisins or dark chocolate chips to be even more health conscious. Husbands like them too…maybe a little too much.

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As mothers and caregivers we are often concerned about our little ones getting the best nutrition. This concern heightens when we consider traveling and all the unhealthy greasy food options that coincide with it. Whether it be greasy pit stops on a road trip or lack of options on a quick layover, have no fear there are plenty of foods that are safe to travel with and easy to prepare even when you are sans refrigerator and microwave.

Here is a list of healthy meal and snack ideas that travel well and are able to easily pass through security with:

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