Whether it's because you're running from one kid's activity to another, you're on a road trip, or you have a busy life and no time for meal prep, getting good snacks that don't make you feel yucky afterwards are hard to come by.
Or are they??
I have a few "tricks" up my sleeve when it comes to needing on-the-go snacks that could possibly help you in a future pinch! Remember the goal is to prevent becoming starving, so you don't binge or turn to crappy food when you're starving, but it's also to make sure the snacks we DO eat aren't full of sugar or empty calories. Good nourishment creates good energy which creates a happy you!
Here are a few tips/snacks/ideas to have in your pocket!
1. Lara or Kind Bars - Keep a few of these in the console of your car or your purse (* The sugar in the Lara Bars comes from dates which doesn't give you a huge blood sugar spike, so please don't be scared of the nutrition label. It's all about the ingredients, and these are energy-packed, good ingredients!)
2. Apples & a nut butter - Almond, peanut, sun, cashew...there are endless options for a "nut butter" to accompany the high antioxidant and high fiber fruit, making this a filling snack that'll leave you feeling good.
3. Carrots & hummus - Get the big, raw carrots and peel them (or don't...it's up to you, but definitely wash them). Keep the hummus in the fridge at work and eat about 2 Tbsp at a time (not the whole container). Carrots are also very filling due to the fiber and have added benefits of multiple vitamins and beta-carotene.
4. Snap peas - It's back to the basics with this snack. Snap peas are super crunchy and pack a lot of Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and healing in the body. Also, ladies, it helps produce collagen. Hello!
5. Grapes - This is another simple snack to throw in a baggie and take on road trips or just an every day outing! They are packed with polyphenols (an antioxidant), and are a really fun to eat frozen!
6. No Bake Protein/Energy Bites - You can find a ton of recipes for these on Pinterest, but here is one of my favorites. Play around with ingredients and add in whatever you want, as long as you watch the sugar content you're adding with the dried fruit or dark chocolate chips. Yum!
7. Nuts & dried fruit - I suggest getting raw or roasted UNSALTED nuts and create your own little mix. I love cashews and almonds together because one is softer and one is crunchy, then I'll add craisins, dried pineapple, and dried apricots! You can usually find a good version in gas stations if you're on the road too.
8. Smoothies - Here's a little secret that'll determine whether or not you make a smoothie when you have 2 minutes before you need to leave: get a personal blender, so there's no clean up - just blend and run. Here are a few options from Amazon. Smoothies don't need to be extravagant, just keep it simple! Pick 3-4 ingredients, throw them in a blender, and go! Here are some examples if you need inspiration (it's #6 on the list)!
9. Hard-boiled eggs - You can find these at the gas station sometimes if you're looking for a quick snack on a road trip that won't have a ton of sugar, fat, and sodium in it. You can also make a half dozen at home and keep them in the fridge for when you need to grab-n-go!
10. Greek yogurt & berries - You may be able to get these at the store already made, BUT please check the sugar. If there are 20g of sugar, just put it back. There shouldn't be that much in a small container of plain yogurt with real fruit. Many times, the yogurt is vanilla (or fruit) flavored, and a ton of sugar is added for flavor. Get accustomed to checking the ingredients on things. You can easily throw 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt in a small tupperware at home, toss a handful of blueberries and strawberries on top, and go! If you want a hint of sweet, just drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of honey on top!
There is a world of options out there for healthy/ier snacks, especially when you are on-the-go or not in your kitchen, so try to be more aware and intentional. I promise you'll feel so much better, have more energy, and have less cravings.
Here's to smart snacking!