Photo: Getty Images
If there’s one thing that can be said about wedding planning — no matter how much you love or hate it — is that it’s stressful. And that stress is often equated with business. Let’s face it — from gown fittings to hitting the gym for your wedding day bod, brides-to-be are always on the go (and that’s not to mention the non-related wedding aspects of life like work, friends, and of course, spending time with the fiancé). In between it all, it’s easy to forget to eat and when you finally remember, you’re starving and consequently turn to the first thing around you, putting yourself at more likelihood to consume unhealthy foods.
As Rania Batayneh, MPH author of The One One One Diet: The Simple 1:1:! Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss says, “grab and go is the name of the game.” She shares nine nutritious and delicious portable snacks you can pop right in your purse to munch on in between appointments to bring your energy levels up.
Photo: Courtesy of Wholly Guacamole
1. Avocados
“Avocados are an incredibly nutritious snack loaded with heart healthy good-for-you fats,” says Batayneh. “Guacamole is a great snacking option and pairs perfectly with veggies like celery, broccoli, and carrots.” Don’t have the time to make your own? Try Wholly Guacamole’s 100 Calorie Cup Minis. Available in easy peel and serve cups, they’re free of preservatives.
Photo: Courtesy of Saffron Road
2. Chickpeas
According to Batanyeh, this can be a great alternative to trail mix or chips. Still want that savory crunch? Crunchy Chickpeas by Saffron Road is where it’s at. Each serving boasts six grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and 3.5 grams of fat. Batanyeh’s favorite? The Korean BBQ flavor.
Photo: Courtesy of Orgain
3. Shakes
“For those of you who like to refuel with a beverage, a shake is the way to go,” says Batanyeh, who is a huge fan of Orgain Organic Nutritional shakes. “With sixteen grams of organic protein and twenty-three vitamins and minerals, these shakes help keep hunger satisfied and are a great recharge after a workout. They even have an Iced Café Mocha flavor to replace your second (or third) latte!”
Photo: Courtesy of Sunkist
4. Strawberries
Best cold, strawberries may seem like a difficult on-the-go snack — but, your options aren’t limited to the fruit in its simplest form. Batanyeh recommends Sunkist Fruit Chips Crunch Strawberry. Never baked or fried, these snacks are made with the single ingredient of strawberries and void of added sugar or flavors other dried fruit snacks may contain, she says, adding, “This snack is the closest thing to fresh when you need an easy, on-the-go fruit fix. With four grams of fiber [per] serving, these chips are also high in Vitamin C, which may help to boost your immunity, keeping you healthy leading up to the big day.” She suggests pairing them with a cheese stick for a perfectly balanced snack.
Photo: Courtesy of Daiya
5. Greek Yogurt
If you’re lactose intolerant or just avoiding dairy altogether, you can still enjoy the delights of Greek Yogurt with Daiya’s plant-based, dairy-free Yogurt Alternative, which boasts eight grams of protein. “Made with plant protein from peas as well as real fruit in each container, this is a snack that will help satisfy cravings without sacrificing taste,” says Batanyeh. The blueberry flavor also contains antioxidants, which Ratanyeh says are good for your memory.
Photo: Courtesy of Rojo
6. Salsa
Another great dip option for tasty low-cal snacking, salsa pairs perfectly with veggies and tortilla chips. Batanyeh is particulary fond of Rojo’s Single-Serve Salsa, as it’s made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and spicy peppers and is conveniently portioned to enjoy anywhere. Bonus: They also contain health benefits such as antioxidants like lycophene and Vitamin C, points out Batanyeh, who recommends popping one in your lunch bag to enjoy with a taco salad.
See More: How to Hack Your Happy Hour to Make It Healthier
Photo: Courtesy of KIND
7. Nuts
Find nuts a bit dry and boring? There’s a fix for that… Find them in an energy bar. Pick up a Nuts & Spices Bar from KIND Healthy Snacks. Complete with five grams of sugar or less, they’re high in fiber, made with all natural ingredients, and are gluten-free. As Batayneh, who says, “This snack hits the spot!” points out, they’re a sweet alternative to the vending machine at work.
Photo: Courtesy of Sabra
8. Hummus
What’s a list of nutritious foods without everyone’s favorite snack? Before you think hummus is a messy food to take on the run, try Sabra’s portable hummus with pretzels. “[It] will give you that crunch and creaminess that you are looking for,” says Batanyeh. “With seven grams of protein and four grams of fiber, this snack will fill you up and not out!”
Photo: Courtesy of barkTHINS
9. Toasted Coconut
This snack is just plain yum, especially when in the form of barkTHINS toasted coconut with almonds and sea salt. “Fair trade dark chocolate and non-GMO verified ingredients will have you dreaming of that tropical honeymoon in no time,” says Batanyeh, who points out that the re-sealable pouches make an easy travel companion and allows for portion control and snacking on your own terms.