healthy eating on the go

I don't like Hunger Games.




The movie never got me either (though in fairness, I don't think I ever gave it a chance). But I'm talking about the other hunger games. The thing we do when we leave the house with no plan and no food ... or maybe just some food for the kids and not enough for us? It can't be just me.



But I've smartened up in my old age ;-P and I bring or keep snacks stashed so that in a pinch, I can have a small snack or pair a few things together for a makeshift meal on the go, if need be.



I'm a bit needy in this department as I need:

  • Gluten + dairy free

  • No artificial dyes or flavors

  • Ideally no industrial seed oils, though I do still eat these on occasion as I frown at the ingredient list

  • Can't spike my blood sugar

  • Needs to hold up well in my purse or car or beach bag or or or ....




Here are a few ideas that fit the bill. Try 'em out and we'll be snack stashing twinsies.






1) Protein bar. I like Raw Rev Glo bars in Creamy PB and Sea Salt. Yes, I like the taste but also that flavor of theirs has more protein and less sugar than their others. This one happens to have 15g protein, 11g fat, 14g fiber, and only 3g net carbs. Have it with a piece of fruit if you want the carbs too. There are some other good bars on the market, just depends on your needs. Unfortunately though, I'd give about 90% of them a failing grade for being full of cr*p or no more balanced than a candy bar. So be picky with these! Read the ingredient list. Check out the nutrition facts. It's not a protein bar if it has 25g carbs and 7g protein. As a protein bar, it should have at least 10-15g protein and that should be the predominant macronutrient. Unless you want a carb bar. That might have it's time and place too (like before a really intense workout). 


2) Chia or flax seeds and protein powder. I like these in smoothies best but in a pinch they can be thrown in some water or even your coffee with some fat like heavy cream, coconut oil, or MCT. These are fiber, fat, and a baby dose of protein. Better than grabbing Pringles at 7-11 and being hungry 20 minutes later.


3) Nut or a homemade trail mix. The best part about this is that you can save money by buying in bulk and customize to your likes and needs. Want the carbs? Add some dried fruit or dark chocolate chips. Just want the healthy fat, fiber, and little dose of protein? Throw some almonds, cashews, and walnuts in a bag and keep it pretty much WHEREVER as it's pretty darn potable.


4) Seaweed or kale chips. These double as a nice salt / crunch fix and can count as veggies / fiber / fat on the go. They won't fill you up much, so pair with the protein bar and you just bought yourself at least 2 hours of satiety so you can think more clearly about your next (hopefully bigger) meal options.


Hope these help during this soccer tournament, kids-have-the-busiest-calendars, work-is-keeping-me-on-my--toes time of year. ;-)



XO,
Tara