5 Energizing Snacks for Moms on the Go

With the new school year in full swing, we’ve all had some time to get back into the daily routine.   For me, the lazy days of summer are gone, and they’ve been replaced by strict schedules and lots of activity.  In the midst of signing permission slips, arranging playdates and carpooling to after-school activities, it’s a given for us to make sure our kids are properly nourished.  We all know what happens to a kid’s mood when blood sugar levels crash, and so we’re well aware of what it takes to get our kids through the day with as much energy as necessary.

But, what about you, Mom?  Amidst the chaos, are you tuned in to your own dietary needs?   Or do you skip breakfast, grab a pastry at the drive-through, yet still fall victim to the 10:00 a.m. energy crash because that donut was nothing but empty calories?   Are you so consumed with lunchtime at your house that you often forget to prepare your own meal along with the kids’?  For moms, it is very difficult to think of our own needs when those short people running in and out of your kitchen demand the last bowl of cereal and argue over who gets to pour the milk.

With everyone in the family running in different directions, most moms don’t take the time they need to select, prepare and enjoy their food, the way nature intends.  That’s why I wanted to share with you some of my favorite energizing snacks and meals. All of these can be prepared quickly ahead of time or as needed, and include three or fewer ingredients, so you can enjoy them at home, work or on the go!

• All-natural Peanut butter or Sunbutter and Banana Sandwich:  Since I began cutting way back on HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) and processed foods, I have discovered some great substitutes for everyday peanut butter.   My local grocer (Golden Harvest, Kittery ME) carries an amazing all-natural, home-made honey roasted peanut butter.  Also, in response to other children in the schools with allergies to nuts, I’ve tried Sunbutter®, an all-natural sunflower seed spread which contains 1/3 less saturated fat and is higher in vitamin E, iron and fiber.  Spread a little of either on a slice of whole-grain bread, and add 1/2 banana, sliced.  (PB&B sandwiches have been a favorite of mine since I was a kid – and now my kids love them too!)

• Plain Rice Cakes w/ Cream Cheese and Cinnamon: I came up with this snack one day when my cupboards were bare.  I buy Mother’s Rice Cakes in the natural food aisle of the grocer.  (They’re 100% natural with no added sugar or preservatives, low in sodium and made with whole grain brown rice and 100% canola oil) Take one of these and spread reduced-fat cream cheese, such as Horizon Organic®, and sprinkle cinnamon on top.  You could experiment and add more healthy snacks, like raisins for fiber or walnuts, for extra Omega-3’s.

• Baby carrots and hummus: An easy and tasty way to get a serving of vegetables in to your diet is by dipping them raw into hummus.  Hummus is a delicious and popular alternative to higher-fat dips.  Its main ingredient, the chick pea, is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and high in protein.  There are many different types of hummus available, including those made with with lemon, garlic and spice.  I love this snack while I’m preparing lunch, because it’s so easy to nibble and keeps me energized if I don’t get a chance to prepare my own lunch until the kids are having “quiet time” later on.

• Apple slices, Low-fat Cheese and Nuts: This one has been a favorite of mine for years.  When I worked full-time, I used to bring my breakfast to the office.  Once I got painfully bored with those microwaveable oatmeal packets, and tired of being hungry again in only an hour or so (I blame the high sugar content of the flavored brand I was used to), I researched some healthier “on-the-go” breakfast options and found I loved to bring bring an apple, some low-fat cheddar cheese and a handful of walnuts.  The fiber in the apple and nuts helped me feel fuller longer, and the cheese is a great source of protein.  Nuts are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and are known to lower cholesterol when included in your diet.   Today, this is an extremely portable snack, and I often nosh in the car when I haven’t left enough time for breakfast or need an afternoon pick-me-up.

• Steamed & Spiced Low-fat Milk (with your choice of vanilla, honey, cocoa or cinnamon): My first daughter was born in February, so as soon as the weather turned chilly during the second half of my pregnancy, I needed a subsitute for hot coffee.  I discovered the “steamer” while visiting a coffee shop in Boston with co-workers.  I ordered the frothy drink and was instantly in love.  Order a steamer with fat-free milk and a shot of sugar-free vanilla syrup, or for a more wholesome drink that is more like a dessert, order milk with a higher fat content and choose from a variety of coffee bar flavors, such as cocoa powder, cinnamon or my favorite, vanilla.  This is also an easy drink to whip up at home, and you can flavor with whatever you have on hand.  Maple syrup or honey would also make wonderful flavors for this toasty beverage.

Just as we are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for our children by providing them with balanced and junk-free snacks, we Moms should focus on our own needs in the food department as well.  I hope you’ll try on of these new ideas, and will share your own favorites in the comments section!   Bon Appetit!

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