When we’re away from the home, it’s so easy to reach for whatever foods are convenient. We do our best to make healthy choices, but sometimes the it seems like a generic grocery store or gas station are the only available places to grab a snack. I’m sure you’ve been to a grocery store where you wander the aisles of chips and cookies, hoping to find an organic section. Then, once you do, it’s just full of packaged foods made with too much sugar, corn and puffed rice. That’s what happened to me this week.
If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, it’s time to start packing back-up snacks for yourself. You can take these foods in your bag, purse, car and suitcase. They are also excellent to keep stashed in your desk at work, and some of them can even survive the car glove box. I’ve listed out some of my favorites, and why I love them so much.
Carrots – Carrots are high in fiber to keep digestion running smoothly. They also pack and travel easily, and as long as they are dry, they will last without refrigeration for a couple days.
Cucumbers – These need refrigeration, but I’ve had them survive for one day out of the fridge. Just be sure that the skin is very dry, or else you risk rot.
Nuts – Try organic peanuts, almonds or cashews for a sense of fullness. The healthy fat in nuts will also help you absorb more nutrients from fruits and veggies when you eat them at the same meal.
Chia seeds – Mix these little seeds into juice for extra energy. They plump up in liquid.
Organic tortilla chips – These don’t have a lot of nutritional value, but they are quite fun to eat every now and then. I’m also a huge fan of fresh salsa, and dipping the chips into natural hummus. (Do be sure to get hummus without phosphoric acids, since this additive corrodes our bones and teeth.)
SeaSnax nori seaweed – I love the olive oil and onion flavor. It tastes slightly like a potato chip, minus the deep-fry.
Chewnami bars – These are a great way to sneak kelp seaweed into your diet. Kelp helps balance hormones, and has been used to benefit people with anemia, high blood pressure and arthritis. Plus, you’ll also receive some sustained energy through the sesame seeds that make up the rest of these bars.
Your Assignment:
Choose a minimum of just 1 of these snack foods. Buy a few of them, and stash them in places like your car or office desk so you have a back up snack the next time hunger hits.
© 2011 Ava Waits
