Snacking and Eating on the Run
Ready-to-go snacks like these make eating on the run healthy and help with staving off hunger on busy days.
Being on the run all day can make snacking and eating a challenge. Whether spending time in the car shuttling kids around, taking day trips or running from meeting to meeting, having some easy, ready-to-eat snacks can make a busy day better. Plan ahead and toss some of these healthy snacks in the car to stave off hunger, along with some hand wipes and napkins.
For easy options, try jerky made from beef, chicken or turkey. Perfectly portable, jerky is packed with protein. Be sure to pick a low-sodium and low-sugar variety. Also, look for tuna and cracker kits as well as whole-grain protein bars that boast low sugar and more protein than carbohydrates.
Single-serving-size yogurts, string cheese, chocolate milk, overnight oatmeal and smoothies may require a cold tote, but will be deliciously refreshing and filling. Turkey roll-ups are basically a sandwich without the bread. Spread cream cheese on turkey slices and add a pickle or strip of cucumber. Roll them into wraps.
Popcorn is a great source of fiber and is low in calories. Pop some the night before a busy day and sprinkle a little parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for some added protein. Or, add in some nuts, dried fruit, and/or pumpkin seeds.
Trail mixes with a majority of nuts are a filling option but make portion sizes on the small side – about a handful – as there are many calories in trail mixes. No-bake energy bites made with a combination of nut butter, oats and seeds and rolled into balls are a fun little pop of protein.
Individual-sized nut butter packets are an easy option to squeeze into celery sticks, or over apple slices or rice cakes. Or, put a scoop of peanut or nut butter and some fruit into individual containers. The same goes for veggies like carrots, cucumbers and celery with a scoop of hummus, which is a great way to get several important nutrients.
Besides hummus, another way to get the fiber and nutrients is from chickpeas: roast them with some seasonings and olive oil ahead of time. Roasting chickpeas makes them crunchy and portable.
Egg muffins, whisked eggs baked in a cupcake tin, are infinitely customizable and portable. Make a batch with everyone’s favorite veggies, meats and/or cheeses and wrap them individually for the next day. These freeze well too.
One cup of edamame provides some of just about every nutrient that one needs. Toss some cherry tomatoes in for color, flavor and even more vitamins and minerals.
To all of the above, just add water.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo
