5 Healthy Snacks For Moms On-The-Go
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by Photographed by James Kicinski-McCoy
We’ve all been there before—you’re headed to pick up your little sprout from school when all the sudden, hanger strikes! Your SUV is completely empty (unless we’re talking about crumpled up receipts, empty coffee cups, and kid debris) and the only thing in sight is a fast food chain and a half-eaten animal cracker in the back seat. Don’t let your options come down to a drive-thru burger or nothing at all. With our crazy schedules and demands that we have as moms, feeding ourselves can often be an afterthought. Luckily, food companies are steadily putting out better and better snack options, so that you can be armed and ready.
So what are some healthy snacks to keep in your diaper bag, purse, or car? First, you want to look for something that contains protein to keep you full, but doesn’t pack excess calories and sugar to make you crash later. When grocery shopping, don’t be fooled by clever labels, words, and packaging—know your stuff, read the nutrition facts and stay on track. Below we break down some of the most delicious, healthy, on-the-go snacks so you’ll never be stranded and desperate again.
Nuts Or Trail Mix. It’s no secret that nuts are one of the best, totable, and nutritious snacks out there (the airlines know this best). Naturally, nuts are packed full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The only thing to watch out for are nuts covered in excess salt, oil, seasonings, and other flavors. Instead, shop for raw almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and other healthy nuts, which fill you up without weighing you down. Trail Mix is a great option, as well, as long as it consists of only fruit, nuts, and seeds. Also, for almond and peanut butter lovers, there are compact snack packs perfect for picnics, school lunches, or simply eating from the package like a savage while headed towards the school pick-up line.
Protein Bars. Often times, protein and snack bars can be loaded full of sugar and other excess additives to make the bars taste better. Look for an all-natural bar that can hold up in your bag and packs a lot of protein, vitamins, and minerals—not just calories. We love any organic, fruit, veggie, and nut bar that consists of simple, straight-forward ingredients. For those who are gluten-free or watching their sugar intake, there are plenty of tasty, gluten-free, sugar-free bars out there, too.
Adult Squeeze Pouches. You might be the mom who’s already stolen one of your little guy or gal’s fruit pouches out of desperation and thought it was actually pretty satisfying. Many companies have caught on to this trend and started producing them for adults, which are a perfect on-the-go snack option for busy gals like yourself. And because they don’t require refrigeration, they’re a perfect thing to toss into your bag for whenever, wherever. There’s even a soothing fruit and ginger-packed prenatal pouch for the expecting mamas!
Kale or Veggie Chips. Sometimes you just need something salty and crunchy, and nothing else will satisfy—we totally get it. When potato chips and French fries are tempting, reach for something delicious and salty, yet healthy. Baked kale chips or crunchy dehydrated veggies taste great and help curb those salty cravings. They’re made with real vegetables that are dehydrated instead of cooked or fried.
Beef Jerky. This quick snack tends to get a bad wrap for being “unhealthy” because it’s usually loaded with excess sodium, artificial flavors, and preservatives, which can definitely be true for many brands. However, not all jerky is created the same. In fact, there are many gourmet jerky companies on the market solely dedicated to producing chemical, additive, and gluten-free all-natural jerky. From turkey to salmon, there are multiple options out there. And with 8-12 grams of protein per 1 oz. serving and next-to-no fat, jerky is one of the best snacks you can eat in-between meals.
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