Snacking is absolutely essential for the on-the-go woman. Whether you are en route to the gym, finally sitting down at your desk at 3pm after an afternoon of meetings, or vegging out on the couch watching the latest episode of “The Bachelor,” eating a healthy snack is a must in order to sustain energy throughout the day. But what happens when you don’t have a healthy snack within reach? We eat the the bad stuff! Chips, cookies, fruit snacks with so much sugar and added salt… These foods taste great at the time, but don’t provide you with key nutrients you need to keep hunger at bay.
Because February is National Snack Month, we have put together a list of our favorite and truly healthy snacks for the busy woman who does it all, and needs to be on her a-game when it’s most important. The best part about these snacks is that they all can can be stashed in your purse, kept in your car, or in your desk drawer so you don’t succumb to the vending machine or the free donuts taunting you in the office. Check out these great brands that not only taste great, but also have helped us stay alert, focused, and power through the day!
1. Emmy’s Organic Coconut Cookies - Vanilla Bean
We discovered these delicious cookies on Instagram (where else do you find new foods nowadays?) and ordered the Vanilla Bean flavor through their website. For a quick breakfast, these two-bite beauties taste amazing along with a hot cup of coffee. The texture along with the subtle flavors of coconut and vanilla truly tantalize the taste buds. We could eat WAY more than the suggested serving of 1 cookie per pack...
Check out Emmy's Organic Cookies for yourself here.
2. Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter - Smooth To-Go Packs
Once again, another Instagram find! Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter prides themselves on being a one ingredient food. The single and most important ingredient? THE MIGHTY PEANUT! This brand defines the phrase "clean eating." The smooth peanut butter to-go packs are a lifesaver when you need a quick protein kick. One warning -- make sure you aren't driving if you are deciding to open the packet in the car. Let's just say from experience, this drizzly nut butter can get messy!
Find out more about Crazy Richards Peanut Butter here.
3. RX Bar - Blueberry
We are absolutely in love with RX Bar. Their branding also goes a long with with us. They spell it out -- NO BS in their protein bars! The RX Bar in Blueberry is our favorite, but if you're looking for a chocolate fix, Chocolate Sea Salt is fantastic. We also have to give a shout out to a fellow Chicago-based brand like us! Keep killing the game, RX Bar!
Visit their website here.
4. That’s It Bar - Any Flavor!
Craving fruit snacks, but not the added sugar? That's It bars are your fix. Just like Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter, they pride themselves on being a one ingredient brand, which is just plain fruit. Stash a few in your gym bag for a quick natural sugar boost before your next workout class.
5. Whole Food's Everyday Value 365 Spicy Jalapeno White Cheddar Popcorn
Changing gears to a salty snack, Whole Food's Everyday Value 365 Spicy Jalapeno White Cheddar Popcorn is to die for! BUT, you have to like a little bit of spice. A small bowl of this flavorsome popcorn will satisfy the urge for greasy chips. Plus, popcorn takes time to eat, and you get a lot for less calories, which will signal to your brain..."Hey lady, I'm getting full!'
Check them out the nearest Whole Foods near you here.
6. Trader Joe's Inner Bean Lightfully Crunchy Black Bean Snack
Who else LOVES Trader Joe's? There are so many healthy choices available at TJ's, but beware of caloric intake. If you are looking to cut fat and calories, make sure you are reading the labels quite carefully because it can add up! If you are in the market for a protein-packed healthy snack, Inner Bean's Lightfully Crunchy Black Bean Snacks can become your best friend. Made with black beans, they give you that crunch you are looking for without the guilt.
Find them at your local Trader Joe's. Locate the closest TJ's near you here.
6. Good Ol' Fruits and Veggies
Nothing can beat classic fresh fruits and veggies. The hardest part, in our opinion, is prepping them. Our tip? Grabbing as much fresh goodness at the grocery store that will last for 5 days, then prepping all of it on Sunday afternoon into sandwich bags or specified containers for M-F. Although some may require refrigeration, it's worth it to snack on low calorie, high water, fiber, nutrient dense food that will keep you full longer. Our favorite veggies include sliced cucumbers, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower. Our favorite fruits include oranges, apples, pomegranate seeds, bananas, pineapple, honeydew melon, grapes and mango.
