One of the biggest obstacles people face these days is time. On our survey most people indicated not having enough time to prepare food as one of the most difficult aspects of there eating habits. So we have provided some healthy, on the go options for you to check out when you need that pick me up before the mid-day crash, before you hit the gym or when you just need a little something extra. All of the options provided below are made not only of whole foods but also provide a good dose of protein!
1. Nut Butter Stuffed Fruit/Celery: Grab some dates, core an apple or celery stocks and fill with your favorite nut butter. I also like the Artisana Nut Butter Packs to eat alone or bring along with the above fruit/veggie for making on the road without a mess.
2. Pumpkin Seeds: Pair a handful of pumpkin seeds with an orange. The Vit. C from the orange helps with the absorption of iron from the pumpkin seeds!
3. Veggies and Hummus: Put hummus in the bottom (about 1 serving: 2 Tbsp) of a container and then throw in (vertically - sticking out of the hummus) sliced veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, celery, snap peas etc. You can also throw in 1-2 Tbsp. of salsa on top of the hummus before you add the veggie sticks for more flavor. Put the top on and bring with you on trips, in your gym bag, to the office, or in your purse or car to have handy on a day full of errands.
4. Make it a Wrap: Grab a whole grain tortilla (we like Ezekiel brand or Engine 2), wrap guacamole (or sliced avocado), beans (any kind you like), tomato, and lettuce. Sprinkle with pepper and a dash of salt.
5. Lettuce Wraps: Include the same ingredients as above but use a blanched collard green as your wrap or a regular kale leaf. These are a little messier so more difficult to travel with, but if you are in a hurry to get out of the house, this will do the trick!
6. Lentils Fiesta: Now you can do this with most any bean but I really like lentils, garbanzo (chickpeas) or black beans (about 1/2 cup) with salsa and sliced avocado. Sprinkle some pepper, a dash of salt and a little cilantro if you have some and in no time...you have a high protein snack. All you have to do is drain and rinse the beans, throw in a sealable container, add the toppings and away you go. You can substitute hummus for avocado too.
7. Grains fiesta: You can throw the same mixture from above over quinoa or brown rice (or skip the beans and add the toping to the grain instead) for a meal or more substantial snack if you have grains pre-made!
8. Shake it up: Throw some protein powder in a shaker (or water bottle) and bring it with you. Add water, shake and you are done! We like Vega or Pumpkin Seed Protein or any other plant based powder you enjoy. If you are at home, throw in some berries and ice, blend and then bring with you for a little added nutrition!
9. Chia Seeds: Add 1-2 Tbsp. of chia seeds to a shake (see #8) or to coconut water. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime and pack of Stevia to the coconut water to really make it tasty.
10. Chia seed pudding. Add 2Tbsp. Chia seeds, 1 Tbsp. Hemps seeds with 1 Cup of almond milk, 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 pack of stevia or a drizzle of honey if desired. Let sit in the fridge for 10 minutes - 1 hour to thicken into a pudding (increase or decrease liquid based on desired consistency). Add fresh or frozen fruit (optional) and or dried fruit and nuts over top. Enjoy! Bring with you in a sealable container.
11. Trail mix. Make your own trail mix by throwing some raw (or roasted without oil) almond, cashews, brazil nut, walnuts, pecans, pistachios or any other nut you like in a zip lock with organic preservative free dried fruit such as raisins, mango, currant, mulberries, goji berries, apricots, figs, dates etc.
12. Granola. Mixed granola: Try our Tropical Granola or Grainless Granola with berries (fresh or frozen) and almond milk. If you are on the go, just bring a travel size pack of almond milk with you and nix the berries or eat it dry.
13. Oatmeal. Bring a zip lock of 1/2 a serving of our Muesli Magic recipe. Add hot water (easily accessible from any hotel or coffee shop) and enjoy. Bring along a bowl, our favorite is the collapsible Sea To Summit Bowl with the Bamboo Utensil Set.
14. Edamame. You can buy jus the beans or by them in the pod. Thaw ahead of time or cook and add salt and throw them in a container or pick some up in the airport (most such restaurants have edamame to go). Packed with protein, these are a tasty and filling option.
15. Dried soup. Bring some individual dried soup cups with you (we like Dr. McDougals or Pacific Foods brands) or the split pea, black bean or lentil curry in the bulk section at Whole Foods. Add hot water (easily accessible from any hotel or coffee shop) and enjoy. (See the links above for the travel bowl and utensils).