Quick Snacks

I am always in a rush. Blame it on my generation or the hectic world we live in, but it's probably just because I'm a poor planner. Regardless, I am often running out the door at the last minute and I know if I don't grab something and shove it in my bag, I'll be regretting it within a couple of hours. Here are some fool-proof snacks I recommend keeping on hand:

Apples (if you have an extra moment, slice one up and sprinkle cinnamon on the slices and throw them in a small plastic container)

Baby Carrots or pre-cut carrot sticks (you can cut and store whole carrots the same way I store celery below)

Celery (I try to cut the stalks up as soon as I buy them, then store them in a plastic container filled with water in the fridge. Then I can just grab a bunch and put them in a smaller container for the road.)

Cucumber slices (same as above, though you won't need to store them in water)

Cherry tomatoes

Hummus (I spoon some into a mini-container for dipping any of the above)

Natural no-sugar added Nut Butter (I spoon 2 Tablespoons into a mini-container for dipping celery and/or apple slices)

Almonds (Trader Joe's sells these already pre-packaged in handfuls, or you can just grab a handful for the road and put them into your own container or baggie. Don't take more than a handful, though. You don't need a lot to keep you nourished and they can add up quickly in calories and fat!)

Satsuma Oranges (These are readily available in the winter months when it's smart to stock up on Vitamin C, they're the perfect size, and they're easy to peel!)

A Water-filled BPA-free Nalgene bottle or Stainless Steel bottle (often when we're feeling hungry, we're really just dehydrated. Try to drink 8 glasses/64 oz. a day. It may be a myth that we need to drink exactly that amount, but we definitely need water and it keeps you feeling full longer. Bonus:Your skin will thank you!)

Of course, you can also eat these things even if you're not running out the door in a mad rush. At home, I don't always want to slave in the kitchen just to get in a mini-meal. If you are sticking around the house, feeling low-maintenance, and you have a particularly sweet tooth, eat some grapes! I keep mine in the freezer.

Frozen Grapes are fun to eat, satisfy any frozen-treat cravings, and you end up eating less because they take longer to munch on. Triple score!