Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Safe Snack Survival Stash

One of the most powerful things you can do to keep your nutritional needs cared for, especially during the holiday food frenzy, is to set up your safe snack survival stash. Keep one at home, one at work or at school, one in your car and carry a tiny one with you in your purse, briefcase, or backpack. Your goal is to keep these snacks at the ready, so if you start feeling a bit hungry, you can grab something to eat quickly. Keeping a steady blood sugar level throughout the day helps both mental and physical performance. You certainly don't want to take an exam or make any major decisions when you haven't eaten for awhile, and if you play that basketball game with low blood sugar there is no way you'll play your best! Very important to note: we all have a tendency to lose control of what we eat and how much we eat when we get too hungry--look out M&M's! It's always a good idea to grab one of these little snacks before you go to a big dinner or party, to take charge of your hunger before it takes charge of you!

Safe Snack Survival Snacks need to be:

1) At least somewhat nutrient dense/healthy
2) Portable
3) Non-perishable
4) Fill you up and stabilize your blood sugar (higher in fiber and/or protein is great here)
5) Taste good---let's not waste time trying to tell ourselves to eat it because its good for us when we don't like it. We'll go for the chips every time.
6) Single servings

Here's the survival stash that works for my husband and I:
  • Kashi TLC dark chocolate coconut fruit and grain bars
  • Archer farms 100% fruit organic fruit leathers, pomegranate
  • All Bran multi-grain crackers---1 ounce portions packed in sandwich bags
  • Emerald almonds, 1/2 ounce packages, plain and I love the cocoa covered!
  • Wheat Thins, multi-grain--1 ounce portions in bags
  • Dried Cherries, 1 ounce in bags
Remember, it's survival of the fittest...
Let us know what's in your safe snack survival stash!?

5 comments:

  1. Does a bag of Sun chips on the counter count???

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great idea! As usual, it takes planning ahead but will be well worth it when there is a snack-attack!! Congrats on the blog - Many, as I, will follow and appreciate your efforts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Barb

    You may not remember me but I REMEMBER YOU - you were my WW leader for many years.
    My closest friend Donna has now reacher her 10% and was part of your group til you went on a LOA. You are so incredibly knowledgible.
    I love your snack kit - mine has almonds in a bag from Trader Joe's, Omega Raw Bars and Larabars, plus always water in the car.
    I think of you often - you inspire me!
    I am a Patient Advocate and Attorney - feel free to stop by my blog anytime www.the-first-step.com
    I'll stay posted as I always learn so much from you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't travel without a drink, usually a water bottle. Nuts, snack packs of all types.

    But I definitely have to plan a few minutes to gather them. They don't get into the car on their own. (though the kids think they do)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Way to go! Planning for success is exactly what it takes!

    ReplyDelete

Please let me know if you liked this post, have a question, want to add a comment or two, or even if you'd just like to say, "Hi!" Taking a minute to write in can really help others out there and make this blog even more fun for everyone!