The days are shorter and colder, but it’s still important to make sure you are eating 3 meals a day plus snacks. I try to have 1-2 protein snacks between meals, usually with a fruit or veggie. Some of these may take a little prep but they’re worth it because you get more than one day of snacking out of them Here are a few that I’ve enjoyed:
- DIY pumpkin seed trail mix: I mixed in some pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, candied ginger and dark chocolate bits for a yummy take-along snack.
- Sliced salami with whole wheat crackers and cheese. I love salami!
- Peanut butter with apple slices.
- Cottage cheese and pineapple cup.
- Chicken salad with carrot dippers or cucumber slices: This one takes some prep ahead of time but it made quite a lot. Here’s how the Rushed Mommy did it: Mix together 2 cans of chicken (drained) with a spoonful of mayonnaise, a pinch of paprika (really, it adds flavor!), 2 slices of diced red onion, 1 peeled and diced carrot, and 1 stalk of diced celery. Add salt/pepper to taste.
- Steamed green beans with diced ham. Another make-ahead but I used leftovers from a winter dinner.
- Zucchini roll-ups. I know it sounds weird but it’s healthy so get brave and try it! Slice a zucchini into “sticks” and wrap with turkey deli meat.
- Steamed broccoli and a cheese stick. Really, prepping and steaming broccoli takes, what, 5 minutes? Cut it while you’re making the kid’s lunch, steam it while you’re brushing your teeth and throw it in a Tupperware before leaving the house.
- ½ a grapefruit and some almonds.
- ½ a sweet potato and black beans. Bake the potato the night before. Top it with black beans. Add some salsa for extra flavor and maybe a dollop or fat-free sour cream.
