Many jobs, especially PR, can mean a long day, followed by a long evening, followed by an early morning (leading to another long day). Our secret? Beginning the day with an arsenal of easy, healthy snacks that don’t require a fridge, microwave or (much) fuss. Here are ten suggestions of healthy, purse-worthy snacks.
1. Mixed berries in apple sauce
In the morning, add some unsweetened apple sauce to a container with your favourite frozen blueberries, raspberries or berry mix. By mid-day the berries will melt, keeping the snack cold and creating a delicious berry/apple medley. Healthy snacker secret: invest in good, leak-proof Tupperware and always wrap in a plastic bag. You do NOT want blueberry applesauce coating your purse – trust us.
2. Fresh dates
Maybe not a current pantry staple, but once you start popping these to replace an afternoon chocolate bar, you’ll never be date-less again. They’re high in natural sugars, but also contain potassium and polypenols. If you’re feeling fancy or want to show off, stuff with chopped cashews.
If you’re not tempted by the afternoon candy bar, maybe it’s a bag of chips for a salty, crunchy snack. Make these roasted chickpeas from Rose Reisman for an easy, healthy alternative to satisfy that craving. Best part? Just like chips, you can make different flavours by mixing up the spices – try cayenne pepper, paprika, curry powder or cumin.
Obviously a handful of almonds, a protein mentioned in every health mag, has to make the list. Take them to the next level by buying raw almonds from the grocery store or Bulk Barn and roasting them yourself. Bonus: roasted nuts will make your kitchen smell divine.
5. Frozen muffins
It’s easy to make a large batch of hummus and pair it with different vegetables during the week. Try pita wedges, raw carrots and celery, whole grain crackers or whole wheat tortilla chips.
7. Protein shake with skim milk
For those days when you REALLY have no time, scoop some whey protein powder into a Ziplock bag and pick up a small carton of skim milk. Best and least expensive source in the downtown core? Sports Nutrition Depot. They’ll help you choose the right one for what your body needs so you don’t go home with something that is meant for a bodybuilder.
8. Apples slices with almond butter/peanut butter
Open bag. Add small knife, apple, and a container of natural almond or peanut butter. When hunger hits, slice apple and dip in almond butter or peanut butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired, to make it feel fancy. Just don’t bring this one to court, an airplane, when meeting royalty, etc. The knife is the key ingredient: whole thing falls apart if you don’t freshly slice the apples.
Two consecutive days on the fourth floor without someone saying “I really feel like popchips” has never ever happened. Ever. Our favourite low-fat, all-natural, grab-and-go snack from the shelves.
10. Homemade granola bars
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Yours will look just as delicious, pulled from your purse at the end of the day.
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If you just can’t get it together in the morning, make some excellent granola bars on the weekend and bring one each day. The Daily Green has seven healthy granola bar recipes that you can make at home. Go forth and bake.
