Emergency Snacks

Are you running all over the place trying to fit it all in? Spending time with family, work, running errands, exercise, visit friends, and kids soccer games. I know you're busy, me too. 

Sometimes you just need some emergency snacks/desserts to power you through.  It takes a little planning on your part, but having this at your fingertips can help you stay on track with your health.

I know you want to dive into a pint of creamy Ben & Jerry's ice cream, on the coach in your sweatpants, but that's not smart.  Here are a few sweet treats, that might help you when you crave sugar. 

I try not to have lots of sweets in the house, unless I make some healthier version.  However, sometimes when that sweet craving takes over, I almost always have dark chocolate chips and berries on hand. 

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I put together a small cup of fruit (whatever I have) and a small handful of dark chocolate chips.  I know it's not the same as ice cream, but you'll be able to fit into your jeans this fall.  The vitamins and fiber in the fruit are always great, but the combination of flavors really satisfies my sweet tooth. 

Another sweet emergency snack I go to in a pinch are my open face graham cracker delights.  This treat brings me back to my school days, when the teachers always had graham crackers in their classrooms.  When my pantry is almost empty and I have nothing sweet except graham crackers, nutella and berries.  A few of these is all I need to control my sweet tooth and feel like I'm having a sweet dessert. 

 

 

love my paper plate presentation...gotta love no dishes. 

Mid-afternoon calls for a different type of snack that I usually have on hand.  Enter my sliced apple (hello fall!) and tablespoon of nut butter.  This peanut free Sun Butter is really good and great for a nut free environment, like some schools.  It is perfect for this time of year, when apples are back in season.  Try sprinkling a few shakes of cinnamon on top.  Cinnamon is a warming spice and good for lowering cholesterol.

Vegetable and fruit smoothies help you while you're on the go.  Have prepped greens, veggies and fruit in ready to go ziploc bags in the fridge, so you can make this fast. Blend and carry along where ever you need to go.  This really helps me reach all my servings of veggies and fruit in a day, and I don't even have to chew.  Yum!

And lastly, my super duper nut stash in my purse.  It always comes in handy.  Even when I think I won't need it, if something takes longer then you planned, it's always good to have a healthy snack on hand.  This week it's toasted walnuts.  I keep switching varieties so I don't get bored. 

Whatever your snack craving is, maybe finding a healthier version will help you transition to making smarter decisions in the kitchen and grocery store.  Being prepared and making a commitment to yourself and your health is very important.  You're so worth it, so make the effort. 

Happy snacking & happy fall! 

What snacks are in your purse or car?
Do you have any healthy snack ideas you haven't made in a while?