the current: number two

I get a lot of questions about snacks and while I try my best to remember to share them, I definitely don’t do it as often as I would like.  So I figured the best thing to do for my second Five for Friday post would be to give you 5 easy, on-the-go snacks!

When I put together my snacks I usually aim to provide a source of carbohydrate (I’ll choose a whole grain if I know I have to go a little longer before my next meal) and a source of protein.

I also always try to consider what I need my snack to do for me – is it just to take the edge off my hunger knowing I’ll have a full meal soon?  Then I might just choose a piece of fruit or a cheese stick.  If I know I’ll be going a while before my next meal, I’ll bulk up my snack a bit more or bring two.

1. Air-popped popcorn with peanuts – Popcorn is great not only because it’s super easy to pack, but it’s also a whole grain meaning you get some fiber along with it.  Adding some peanuts adds a little bit more protein to the mix giving you a snack that should hold you over until your next meal! I love making air-popped popcorn with a little drizzle of olive oil and dry roasted, unsalted peanuts.
2. Serving of fruit & nut trail mix – Trail mix is my go-to snack, I get a little bit of healthy fat and protein from the nuts and at least 1/2 if not a full serving of fruit from the dried fruit.  It’s super portable, it holds me over and it has a built-in mix of protein and carbohydrate! Try dried apples and almonds for an easy make-your-own!
3. Piece of fruit with nut butter – Choosing a piece of fruit is automatically going to provide you a good dose of micronutrients and fiber and pairing it with nut butter will give you some healthy fat and a little bit of protein. Try a pear with peanut butter – it’s a delicious combo and perfect for the Fall season.
4. Cheese stick with whole grain crackers – This one is a no-brainer.  Cheese sticks are super easy to throw in your bag (just make sure it’s not a snack you pack on a day where it will be sitting around outside the fridge for a while!) and who doesn’t love cheese and crackers as a combo?  You’ll get protein from the cheese and carbohydrate from the crackers.  I love pairing a serving of Triscuits with a mozzarella cheese stick.
5. Greek yogurt and granola – This snack works double time – you get both protein and carbohydrate from the yogurt and the granola!  But as with the cheese stick snack, make sure you’re not taking this one with you if your yogurt will sit out for a My tip?  Bring a little lunchbox with an ice pack – keeps your yogurt perfectly cool and you can eat it any time! I love plain greek yogurt with peanut butter granola such as Kind or my own homemade Super Cluster Peanut Butter Granola!

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