The good news is there are more healthy snack options in convenience stores, airports, train stations and big-box stores than ever before. When I’m on-the-go, however, I like to make sure I have my “go-to” options tucked safely in my handbag/tote bag/carry-on. I admit it – I’m picky. I want gluten-free, vegan, snacks, but I don’t always like some of the ingredients included in packaged products. It’s not that they are not healthy, it’s just sometimes the taste and/or texture doesn’t agree with me.
Most importantly, I want to make sure emotional eating triggers don’t take over. When I’m hungry, heading to a meeting, stuck in traffic, waiting at the airport or train station, my mind may wander and worry. I do have my stress management tools that I use, and I want to be sure I have my comfort foods close by to satiate my hunger and calm my cravings.
Here are my suggestions for grab-n-go healthy snacks:
Make your own trail mix before you leave home. Add what you like – almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, sunflower seeds, raisins, hazelnuts, walnuts…what else?
Well, I like to add a few chocolate chips. I like the Enjoy Life brand. Although there is some sugar in the chips, there is no dairy and no soy.
I’m a fan of Larabars. My current favorite flavors are Double Chocolate Truffle and Chocolate Chip Brownie. I like to challenge myself to find the best prices and am always looking for sales at my local health food store and Target. Larabars are a great alternative to candy bars.
A brand of bars I used to eat more often, Raw Rev Glo, is an option if you are new to your plant-based lifestyle. I’m working to no longer consume oil, and they contain coconut oil, so I’m staying away from them. But, if you are new to being a plant-based eater and want to take a snack with you while traveling, a Raw Rev Glo bar is a tasty treat (especially the Double Chocolate Brownie Batter flavor). With 10 grams of protein, Raw Rev bars can be a filling, healthy snack while stuck in traffic, before a holiday party (to avoid picking on all of the “empty calories”), and on a long plane ride.
I like to take a cut apple or celery slices with me when heading out my front door. To up the nutrition content, I often carry an almond butter packet. It’s an easy way to add some protein and healthy fat. I like the Artisana brand because it doesn’t add any oil or sugar to its basic nut butter packets (read ingredient labels carefully).
What do you like to eat on the go? Do you pack snacks when traveling?
