Grab-and-go, portable snacks are something every active mom could benefit from and let’s face it, the hunger pangs happen to all of us. The way to keep things in check and to stay on the nutritious slimming track is by having a good game plan. Our dietary experts have put together excellent easy-go-to snacks for moms on the move. It’s okay to indulge in these nourishing goodies with zero regrets, ladies!
1. Jerky
Here’s a chewy snack that provides the perfect texture and flavor when you need a satisfying protein break. Now, we’re not telling you to hit the gas station for sodium-stacked synthetic nitrite, MSG jerky sticks because you have much better options.
Look for jerky that is not only yummy and packed with protein but made from 100 percent, grass-fed American beef with zero preservatives and zero artificial ingredients.
These are ideal to slip into your bag and come individually wrapped and won’t make a stink as you tote them around.
2. Cereal
Nutritionists say that the worst thing you can do when you’re craving a snack is to deny yourself. Once you do that, NYC dietician Keri Glassman, RD, says you’ll slip up and cheat and may over-eat or choose empty-calorie junk food.
Give yourself a healthy snack such as a baggie full of crunchy dry cereal, which is full of fiber, low in sugar, and good grains. Go ahead and steal some Cheerios from the kids. We won’t say anything, we promise.
For example, Cheerios are made from 100 percent whole grain oats and only have 2 grams of sugar!
Also, toss in your bag an apple, orange, or pear for added crunch and nutrition.
3. High-Protein Snack
A true favorite of moms on the go is something delicious with high-quality ingredients like the ultimate protein bars.
This is a classic, individually-packaged snack that travels anywhere you go and is filling, comes in yummy flavors such as peanut butter, chocolate, and more, and delivers the ideal energy boost for working out or for muscle repair afterward.
A bar with 18 grams of protein, and vitamins, and minerals is an exceptional snack containing whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.
You could also stash some in your diaper bag to head off a hungry-toddler tantrum.
They taste so good and substantial that you almost feel like you’re cheating.
4. Mixed Nuts
Here is yet another nutritious, go-to snack for busy moms on the move, but you don’t want to get carried away and consume an entire can or bottle and take in high calories and fat.
Mixed nuts offer that irresistible crunch and salty craving and are easy to pack in a baggie and head out the door. They don’t require refrigeration and can last for weeks.
Nuts are also great for cardio health and lowering cholesterol levels. In addition, nuts contain the amino acid l-arginine to maintain flexible arteries, and their filling quality makes mixed nuts a satisfying snack.
5. Greek Yogurt
Opa! If you enjoy the smooth flavor of yogurt, then Greek yogurt is a wonderful snack option, too.
Yogurt is another snack that can travel with you pretty much anywhere, but it is recommended not to leave yogurt at room temperature for longer than two hours or one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees F or above. After that, bacteria can start to grow.
Greek yogurt has a thicker texture and more probiotics and offers a tasty protein and calcium punch if you don’t overdo it. Dieticians say that the protein value is good at about 15 grams in a 5-ounce cup.
Shop for Greek yogurt that is low in fat and doesn’t overdose on sugar. You could always add a spoonful of honey for natural sweetening.
If you’re a mom on the move, then you probably take care of everyone else and often, go without. When it comes to maintaining that nutritious edge and waistline, everyone needs a snack or two when the hunger pangs hit. Healthy snacks don’t have to taste like cardboard to do their thing. Look for flavor, balance, protein, and carbs, and something that can travel conveniently 24/7.
