Snack Packs for Food Sensitivities

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Have you recently discovered that you can no longer eat certain foods that you once loved? Are you constantly having to scan packaging for the list of ______-free icons? Food sensitivities and/or allergies are becoming more frequent each year. Traveling can complicate this already challenging problem. Changing routines and being in unfamiliar areas can increase stress levels and cause further systemic inflammation. One solution I’ve found to be helpful is preparing snack packs for food sensitivities. I prefer to take these with me every time I travel.

Does your mind tell you “yes” while your gut is telling you “NO!”?

If you are reading along and have just raised your hand then you’ve got a friend in me. This has been my journey for the last year and a half or so. In this article, I will begin by briefly telling you about my list of “struggles”. Perhaps you’ll find some common bonds with me.

Keep reading to see my list of items for prepping snack packs for food sensitivities.

Let Go of the Lettuce

When we think of eating healthy, the food that often comes to mind for most people is a salad. I was a horribly picky eater as a child. My diet consisted of things that would make me cringe today. Thankfully, my palate began to improve as I got older. I began eating salads, as long as I had a lot of ranch dressing.

While out to eat with my family one evening, I had ordered and consumed a simple salad. It consisted of only iceberg lettuce, croutons, and ranch dressing. Later on that evening, I was so incredibly nauseous. I remember throwing up multiple times throughout the night to the point I almost went to the hospital. My mom chalked it up to a spoiled batch of lettuce. Months later I finally built up the courage to give a lettuce one more try. Bad choice! Apparently, my body just doesn’t like lettuce anymore – said no vegetarian ever – except me.

Ditch the Dairy

Imagine being on a date and sipping on a milkshake. Something you have done many times before (not the date part). Then, not 10 minutes after your first sip you get that “Oh NO!” feeling in your stomach. Did I mention I was on a date? In a public place? Far from the comforts of my own private bathroom? That was when I decided to ditch the dairy.

Say Sayonara to Soy

Being vegetarian (pescetarian for those that want to get super technical) for 8 years now, I used to eat a lot of meat-substitute products. They were something quick and easy for me to fix and I found ones that I enjoyed the taste of, considering not all products are made equal. After a period of time where I constantly felt much more gassy and bloated, I figured there was a possibility that it could be from all of the soy I was consuming within these and other plant-protein products. Taking a chance to figure it out, I decided it was time to say sayonara to soy-based products.  

Seeing the Specialist

In the months leading up to my wedding, I was desperate to find answers. Not knowing what specifically was causing my digestive system to be so agitated was getting beyond frustrating. This caused me to start having a lot of anxiety. Sometimes I would get so bloated I looked like I was several months pregnant (which I clearly wasn’t) just minutes after finishing a meal. Other times, I would be so gassy. I was terrified about not having a private place to retreat to when in the presence of others. I wanted to know why I was feeling so horrible all of the time. How I was supposed to prepare for married life with all of these crazy issues?

Finally it was time to set up an appointment a gastroenterologist. My hope was that they could help me figure out what was going on. I was sent to get bloodwork done to test for food allergies. I returned to the doctor’s office for a second visit and another $50 copay. The doctor was happy to report that all of the results came back negative for food allergies. She stated that I wouldn’t be experiencing an “anaphylactic” reaction. I was not so thrilled because in my mind I was thinking “duh Captain Obvious, I already knew that”. Her next suggestion was to send me for an intestinal biopsy. I said no thank you, I’ll just go back to food journaling to see if I can figure it out.

Leaving Out Lectins

With only about 3 months until my wedding day, I was trying everything. From trying to follow a Low FODMAPs diet to drinking more water and even fasting just out of frustration. One day, my dad shared with me a new plan he had heard called The Plant Paradox by Dr. Steven Gundry. In his book, he talks about a molecule called a “lectin”. This is a type of protein, most of which are attracted to glucose molecules. Gluten is just one of the many lectins. He mentions that it is a very inflammatory protein to our gut and that is causes distress for people with immune system diseases/disorders such as IBS, Crohn’s, etc. My dad went on to buy me The Plant Paradox Cookbook, which has the basic overview plus 100 recipes.

When I was able to follow it, the plan was very helpful in reducing my symptoms. However, with my busy schedule and what items you are able to consume, it was/is difficult to stick to it as strictly as I should. But, it does help and bonus – it can help you lose weight quickly also.

Snack Pack for the Road

Most of the time our road trips are only about 2.5 hours long with plenty of rest areas. Yet, I know that I am not a typical traveler. I know that I cannot freely waltz into a gas station or rest area plaza restaurant and find something that will be kind to my insides. That really just doesn’t happen anymore. Plus, I think about what those “what if” moments. What if the car broke down on the side of the road and we got stranded for a while? A “hangry” attitude would definitely make that a much more hostile scenario.

Here are some of my GO-TO items for making a snack pack for food sensitivities.

*Note – not all of the items listed below are completely Plant Paradox compliant items. I adjust as best as I can with what is immediately available. Just a reminder – I have sensitivities and not anaphylactic reactions.

Disclaimer: Prior to consuming, be sure to personally review the full list of ingredients for each product if you have specific dietary needs.

Packing Protein

Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna – This tuna has a fresh taste when eating it straight from the can. This would be a solid lunch choice to have either in the car or at a rest stop. When I’m staying at a hotel that has a refrigerator I like adding this on top of my spinach salads.

Evolve Plant-based Protein shake – I’ve purchased the Mellow Mocha flavor so far, but I would like to try the others as well. Good recovery shake for after a workout. I also like this because they support the National Parks Foundation.

Justin’s Cinnamon Almond-Butter single-serve packs or jar – I love the flavor of the cinnamon adds to this almond butter. I can scoop a spoonful out for a quick bite of protein or spread it on top of a cracker. I’ve even eaten it spread over my homemade cassava tortillas.

GoMacro Bar Banana + Almond Butter – This is a great if you want a quick and easy, no mess option.

Finding your fruits

Diced Peaches in 100% fruit juice – I don’t like taking fresh fruit on the road with me. It usually manages to get bumped, bruised, or squished in transit. I carry these cups with me. Just peel back the cover, and sip from the cup. No spoon needed here.

Evo Hemp Bar Cherry Walnut Fruit & Nut – Another no-mess grab-and-go option when you need a little boost in your day.

Looking for something with a good crunch?

Simple Mills Almond-Flour Crackers – These crackers come in 3 different flavors: Fine-ground Sea Salt, Rosemary & Sea Salt, Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil. I can inhale the whole box of Rosemary & Sea Salt if I’m not paying attention. They are pretty tasty.

Puffed Sorghum crackers – The sorghum variety is not available on Amazon. I purchased my box at Earth Fare. Sorghum is a Plant Paradox “In Moderation” approved food. Again, here is another use for the almond butter.

Enjoy Life Lentil Chips – Thai Chili Lime I LOVE these chips. I found them as I was searching for another Enjoy Life product. In my opinion this incident was a happy accident. I’m not a fan of spicy foods, but these have just the right level of sweet/spicy combo for me. I love that they come in a single-serving size package. I’ve not been able to find these at any of my local grocery stores.

Need something sweet?

Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies, Chocolate Chip – I don’t know why or when I developed such a strong liking of cookies, but I’m pretty much a cookie monster. Specifically the original yet classic chocolate chip cookies or cookie dough flavored items. It hurts my heart to have to turn away a cookie yet it hurts my gut to eat certain cookies. Not to mention, the struggle is real when it comes to portion control. When I’ve found myself standing in front of a platter of cookies I often end up taking more than one. Even though I know I might not feel so good later on.

These cookies have rescued me! However, I could easily eat an entire box of these as well. The cookies are also sold in individual serving size bags. These come in handy whenever self-control seems to be a weakness.

Eating Evolved Dark Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups – Although I forgot to mention it above, another one of those “no-no” items for me is peanut butter. It will break my face out like a teenage acne attack. Here a zit, there a zit, everywhere a zit, zit. I said peace out peanut butter a long time ago. Sadly, had to say goodbye to my beloved peanut butter cups (you know which one’s I’m talking about). But then I found THESE! Oh so delightfully satisfying when you are having a moment and just need to indulge.

Are you hungry yet? I know I am. I hope you found this information helpful.

Please comment below to share your kind feedback and any other products that you recommend for needy eaters like me. I’m always looking for new items to try.

Have a great trip!