So I got an exciting package in the mail last week.
While attending FitBloggin’ over the summer, I got to meet the kind folks at SOY JOY and they were so sweet to send over a few of my favorite granola bar flavors out of the blue.
For those of you who have never heard of SOYJOY, they make granola bars free of any artificial ingredients. Everything is all-natural, certified gluten-free and made with real fruit and non-GMO ground whole soy.
Along with the bars, I also received this adorable (and super practical) collapsible bistro-box.
They were interested in what kind of healthy food I like to bring with me on-the-go and I thought you might like to hear as well. Let’s get right to it!
• Greek yogurt with toppings
I love Greek yogurt on it’s own, but adding a topping like fresh fruit, raw oats, chia seeds, almonds, flax seeds, or a mixture of all of them actually gets me excited to prepare it and eat later.
Don’t want to deal with the dirty dish? Throw everything into a disposable solo cup. (You can still recycle those!)
• fresh fruit
Speaking of fresh fruit, why not wash and prep a bowl or baggie of it to snack on throughout the day?
• meat and veggie wraps
I can’t tell you how many times I have wanted to sit down and enjoy a salad, then ran out of time to do so. Instead, I’ll throw everything into a wrap and take it with me to eat on the run!
Try to aim for whole wheat wraps if possible. I swear by low-carb high fiber La Tortilla Factory CarbSmart tortillas.
• whole grain crackers, baby carrots + grapes
The easiest snacks to throw into plastic baggies when you need fuel for later.
• rice cakes (with yummy toppings!)
While everyone doesn’t like rice cakes, I have always loved them. They come in so many different flavors (including chocolate… hello!) and when I want to try something new I add a topping like peanut butter, nut butter, or even pumpkin!
Just this morning I enjoyed one with my pumpkin applesauce topping. I might be obsessed.
• chocolate chip cookie protein balls
I wish I made protein and energy balls more often. They are always convenient and easy to grab for breakfast or a tasty snack to enjoy later on in the day.
You can opt to leave out the protein powder, but I think the extra protein makes the snack. Here is the recipe for the bites you see above.
• cottage cheese and tomato slices
Again, not all people are “cottage cheese” people. It has a very strange texture, but I happen to love it.
My favorite way to enjoy it is with ground pepper on top and a side of tomato slices. Occasionally, I’ll switch the tomatoes out for peaches!
• crackers, celery, or apples with nut butter
Peanut butter, almond butter, nut butter, you name it… I love it. I will spread it on almost anything.
My most frequent dipping culprits are apple slices, celery, or crackers!
• veggies or crackers with hummus
I could literally eat at least half of a container of hummus in one sitting. It’s so darn good, and my go-to flavor has always been roasted red pepper.
Just like any variation of nut butter, I throw this stuff on everything.
Wraps, salads, and as a dip for almost anything.
• bananas and protein bars
This requires virtually no prep whatsoever. I have either one or both before or after almost every trip to the gym!
• spinach and fruit salad (no heavy dressing required)
I love the taste of fruit on my salad, especially berries. This one has spinach, raspberries, blueberries, mango, avocado, sliced almonds and raisins.
I ate it with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, but the sweetness of the fruit would be enough flavor if I didn’t even bring a dressing with me.
• breakfast cookies
Just another version of the energy ball I wish I made more often.
I often include oats, cranberries and raisins when I want more of a muffin or breakfast-y taste. Pictured is this recipe!
• whole grain waffles with peanut butter and chia seeds
I can’t get enough whole grain, specialty seasoned (pumpkin spice!) or even gluten-free waffles lately. I enjoy them smeared with some kind of nut butter, yogurt, or spread for breakfast or even for a pick me up snack during the day.
My go-to brands are Kashi, Vans, and Nature’s Path. Think they’re too messy? Make a waffle sandwich with the toppings in the middle!
• almonds and almond mixes
I always keep an eye out for a new almond flavor or mix to come out.
Alone or mixed in with things like dried fruit, raisins, and coconut flakes, I could probably eat an entire container if I’m not careful.
Almonds are considered healthy fats and can be really good for you in moderation!
• protein shakes and smoothies
Last but certainly not least, I always enjoy a good protein shake or smoothie. While I prefer to make my own, I don’t always have that kind of time, which is when I appreciate one that’s ready for me.
When I do have time, I like to use protein powder and make my own variations I can easily bring with me.
Even people with the craziest of schedules can still enjoy home made treats in between meetings, on their way to the gym, or during their lunch break. Get creative!
Friday Favorites Link Up Tomorrow
I want to give each and every one of you who linked up or commented on last week’s Friday Favorites post a big HUGE hug! I knew I wasn’t the only Friday Favs lover out there.
If you haven’t heard already, I will be hosting a new favorites link up here on the blog first thing every Friday morning!
Feel free to grab the button and include it in your list of favorites. Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow and link up with everyone else!
Now I want to hear from you…
Questions of the Day
• What are some of your go-to healthy snacks you can easily take with you?
• Are you a fan of protein powder? If so, what is your favorite way to use it?
shelby
I LOVE cottage cheese! My husband eats it plain. I just showed him the joys of fruit and cottage cheese and I think he’s a convert! (Speaking of “joys”, last time I ate those Soy Joy’s I had to throw it away after one bite. Hopefully they changed the texture/taste!
Heather
Oh no. I know… texture preference is so different for everyone. My husband isn’t the biggest fan of the bars, but I happen to love them!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance
These are great suggestions Heather! I actually eat a lot of these things for lunch sometimes too! I just combine a few of your suggestions and voila, lunch is served. Too easy.
Heather
I totally do that all the time!
cleaneatingveggiegirl
Rice cakes are severely underrated. The topping choices are endless!
Heather
I completely agree! I love the flavored ones too for more of a treat.
Em @ Love A Latte
I love celery and PB, homemade rice krispy treats (made with brown rice syrup and almond butter), apples, nuts, fruit…I’m hungry just thinking about it!
Heather
Homemade rice krispy treats? YUM!
Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life
Mmmm I always like celery and peanut butter! Now I’m hungry…. 😉
Heather
I actually haven’t had that combo in a while. I think it’s time to re-stock!
Olena
OMG! All of a sudden I’m super hungry now! 😀 These are great snacks indeed!
M
A couple of your recipes (like the chocolate chip cookie protein balls) call for a scoop of protein powder. Do you have a different measurement, possibly how many grams per scoop? I have a couple different sizes of scoops from different brands of protein powder. Thanks!
Sally
I thought I was the only one who loved cottage cheese and tomatoes. It is my favorite summer snack…especially with tomatoes from the garden. YUM!!!!!!!!!
Heather
No way! It’s a staple around our household, lol. Sounds delicious with freshly picked tomatoes!
Sally
People think I’m weird. I could eat it every day. 🙂
redletterDaye
I like that your “snacks” are substantial. I prefer to have small meals frequently, but I love Quest Bars if I need something to hold me over. The fiber and protein really do the trick, and I love that they are low sugar.
Heather
Love Quest Bars! You’ve got it. Protein and fiber always win in my book!