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Hangry no more...with an Emergency Snack Pack
Have you ever woken up with the best intentions to eat healthier, only to have such a busy day that you couldn't prepare food or find time to eat? You're not alone—I've done this many times too. As a busy mom of two boys with tons of after-school activities, I had to come up with a plan. And as a dietitian that often recommends easy on-the-go snacks to my clients, I had to put my advice. I came up with something I call an Emergency Snack Pack. You can use any sized bag you like. I suggest getting a bag specifically for this purpose so you remember to refill it once it gets empty. These snack packs can also help if you end up in a true emergency situation.
What does having an Emergency Snack Pack help with?
- Avoid last-minute fast food when you're too hungry to think clearly.
- Steer clear of mindless eating of high-fat, low-nutrient foods.
- Stick to your grocery list to prevent impulse buys.
- Keep yourself (or your kids) satisfied until mealtime.
Basic criteria for Emergency Snack Pack:
- Single or simple ingredients (typically the less ingredients the better)
- Non-perishable (so they can stay in the car for multiple hours)
- High protein and/or high fiber
Emergency Snack Pack ideas:
- Nuts, nuts, and more nuts. Any kind you like (almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are my favorite)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Crispy chickpea snack (ex: Biena brand)
- Crispy edamame snack (ex: The Only Bean brand)
- Pre-portioned protein powder in a shaker bottle to later mix with milk or water. Orgain is one of my favorite brands. If you'd like me to order you samples let me know.
- Pre-portioned nut butter (can be eaten alone or with fruit or veggie slices)
- Bars (Clif, GoMacro, Kind, Rx are some of my favorites)
- Jerky
- Vegetable or fruit pouches
- Popcorn
- Peanut butter sandwich on high fiber bread (look for bread that has 3-5 grams of fiber per slice)
- Tuna pouch, canned sardines, or canned cod (can be eaten on their own, with crackers, or with a fast food side salad)
- High fiber crackers (ex: Mary's Gone Crackers or Flackers brand)
If you prefer to eat things cold or want to add perishable items to your snack list, you can pack a cooler.
For the perishable items, you can include:
- Pre made shake
- Hard boiled egg
- Pre-portioned guacamole or hummus cups to dip with veggies, crackers or tortilla chips
- Veggies like jicama sticks, baby carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers
- Fruit like grapes, apples, pears, oranges
- String cheese
- High protein yogurt (ex: Ratio or Oikos or FAGE greek yogurt brand)
Pro tip: On a budget? And who isn't these days? You can search your local Dollar Store, 99 cent store, or Grocery Outlet for reduced price items.
I hope you give this Emergency Snack Pack a try and let me know how it goes or what snacks you include- I'm always looking for new healthy options on the go!
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