EATING WELL IN KANSAS CITY - November 2017 - Kansas City

Health-Coach Approved Snacks for When You're on the Go

By Angela Watson Robertson

 

In our fast-paced culture, and with our busy lives, it’s helpful to have healthy snacks on hand at all times in case you find yourself in a pinch. Though you can find various forms of snacks or treats at most gas stations and grocery stores, they are not all created equal and eating many of them may leave you feeling worse than you did before.

 

As a Certified Health Coach, I’m often asked for recommendations of healthy snacks for when clients are on the go. Surprisingly, even health food stores have very few snack bar options that aren’t loaded with added sugar, gluten, soy, and other preservatives. So, be picky when you are looking for your snack options. Just because you found something at a health food store, doesn’t mean it won’t spike your blood sugar or leave you feeling icky all afternoon.

Here are a few health-coach approved snack ideas to get you started:

 

Make your own trail mix

Make your own trail mix at home and carry some in your bag, purse, or car at all times. I order all of the below ingredients in bulk online and keep small bags pre-made to grab-and-go when I need them. Mix the below together in a bowl and divide the portions into baggies- enjoy!

 

Homemade Trail Mix

1 cup Raw, Organic Cashews

1 cup Raw, Organic Almonds

¼ cup Raw, Organic Sunflower Seeds

¼ cup Raw, Organic Goji Berries

 

Raw Crunch Bar- Blueberry + Lemon

I’ve tried almost every “protein bar” or “health bar” on the market, and maybe I’m picky, but most of them are either loaded with preservatives and sugar or they don’t taste well enough to offset the $2-$4 per bar price (yikes!). Bars aren’t my first choice, but if you’re in a pinch I’d recommend the Raw Crunch Bar. This bar is handmade, gluten-free, and only has 5g of sugar. My favorite flavor is the Blueberry + Lemon, and I order them online.

 

Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter

I’ve tried all of the raw almond butters on the market and this one wins in taste and texture. I order the almond butter online, but you can also find it in most health food stores. This nut butter is great on celery or with carrot sticks, but if you are on the go, buy the travel size packets and eat them as is. Artisana also has other nut butter options if you don’t prefer almond. One note of caution: if you do have a sluggish digestive system, too much nut butter does not help, so remember: all things in moderation.

 

Health Coach Pep Talk

Remember, these snacks are considered treats and, in general, I don’t recommend eating anything processed, even the healthy snack bars, every day or in large quantities at a time. They are not meant to replace whole foods or home-cooked meals, but are very helpful options for you when there are limited healthy options around. The bottom line: If you grab one of these snacks instead of a snickers bar when you are on the go, then I’d call that a win!