Road trips are one of life’s great pleasures, and there's nothing like the sense of freedom when you hit the open road. For many people though, this is the signal to abandon healthy eating routines, and start binging on soft drinks, candy, and potato chips. Here are some better ideas for healthy road trip snacks.

1.) Trip-Ready Veggies

Wash and slice some healthy vegetables before you leave home. Keep them in zip lock bags in your car cooler, so you have some crisp, refreshing snack food on hand that's healthy and easy. Try baby carrots, celery sticks, broccoli florets, or cherry tomatoes. You can also bring almond butter or hummus for dipping.

2.) Fresh Or Dried Fruits

You can also prepare some fruit at home so that it's ready for your road trip. Washed berries and grapes can be flavorful, refreshing, and healthy. Avoid messy fruit like peaches or cherries. You can also take dried fruit like raisins, cranberries or apricots, which don't need to be kept in the cooler.

3.) Low-Fat Cheese

Cheese is a good source of protein, and it contains calcium and other important nutrients. If you pre-slice hard cheeses like cheddar, colby or gouda, you have an easy car snack. String cheese snacks are also convenient. For kids who are lactose intolerant, you can find nut and soy-based cheeses.

4.) Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a classic travel snack, and it comes in a wide range of flavors, from spicy peppered to sweet teriyaki. There is also turkey jerky, salmon jerky, and even tofu jerky. You can also make your own jerky at home, with flavorings of your choice.

5.) Nuts

Peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds are all healthier than potato chips. Nuts contain a good combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Be sure to keep portions in check, or you could get more calories than you're expecting. Just 14 almonds contain about 100 calories.

6.) Hard Boiled Eggs

Eggs can be a good source of protein, lutein, and choline. When they are hard boiled, they are easy to pack and carry. Keep them in your car cooler, and they make for an easy snack on the go.

7.) Trail Mix

Pre-packaged trail mix comes in many different flavors. Just watch out for some types that have high sugar, fat, or sodium levels. You can also make your own trail mix at home, using granola, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

8.) Cheese And Crackers

This classic combination gives you protein and carbohydrates for a satisfying snack. If you pre-slice the cheese before leaving home, this can be easy in the car. Use whole-grain crackers for the healthiest snack.

9.) Granola Bars

Avoid candy bars if you want to save on calories, fat and sugar. A better alternative is to take granola bars or energy bars. You'll get more protein and fiber, and less sugar and fat.

10.) Healthy Drinks

Avoid gulping soft drinks while you're on the road, with their high levels of sugar and calories. Swap those sodas for water, coconut water, vegetable or fruit juice, or sports drinks instead, and you'll stay healthier and hydrated on your road trip.