Healthy Convenience Store Snacks

Jun 6 2018
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/question@2x-a02b76db47a4ac32799e8b19315b3cbf.png Hi Lisa,

I’ve got a bunch of summer road trips planned, and I’m nervous I’ll end up chowing down on potato chips and mini donuts the whole way. Is there anything healthy I can buy at a convenience store?

Driving Miss Hungry
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/answer@2x-5ee5d524b01e4c5483f379894f2fa825.png Hi Driving Miss Hungry,

Gas stations and convenience stores aren’t known for good nutrition, but it’s TOTALLY possible to find healthy on-the-go snacks there. Here are my top picks...

Snack-Sized Bars

Protein bars are perfectly portable, but they’re not all created equal. Some contain as many calories as a full meal! So unless you’re planning to forgo your next meal, I suggest looking for bars that clock in at around 200 calories or less. And here’s a GREAT tip: Reach for bars meant for kiddos, like CLIF Kid Organic Zbars! I also like Quest, Kashi, Fiber One, Special K, and Luna.

Fresh Fruit & Veggies

I’m impressed with the way some convenience stores have stepped up their healthy-snack game in recent years... It’s pretty common to see FRESH ready-to-eat produce these days! Grab an apple or a banana, and look for baby carrots and hummus. Check out all the fresh snacks 7-Eleven offers!

Crispy, Crunchy Munchies

When it comes to better-for-you crunchy snacks, I’ve found that baked or popped chips are the easiest to find at convenience stores. I love seaweed snacks and crispy bean snacks, but those aren’t as common. (Stock up at the supermarket, and toss a few in your bag!) My best advice here, though, is to avoid grabbing one of those giant multi-serving bags. It may be a bit cheaper than getting several single-serve bags, but it’s way too easy to keep munching until the whole thing is gone!

Protein Power

More and more often, I see hard-boiled eggs sold by the pair at these places. So great! Those are packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied. (Feel free to ditch a yolk or two, if you want, to save some calories and fat grams.) Other protein picks: light string cheese, jerky (check the labels though; some are pretty fatty), and fat-free Greek yogurt... Don’t forget to grab a spoon!
One more thing... Hydrate! It may mean more bathroom stops, but I highly suggest drinking plenty of water on your trip. It can stave off hunger in a big way! If plain water bores you, try sparkling water. I love the lightly flavored unsweetened kinds!



Amazon Find of the Day: MIER Double Deck Cooler Insulated Lunch Bag

The BEST way to keep up your healthy-eating habits on long car rides is to pack your own snacks! This best-selling lunch tote from MIER is so fantastic, I honestly can’t believe it’s under $20. It comes in three colors, and it has two different sections so you can keep chilled stuff separate. There’s enough room in the bottom square section for lunch, perishable snacks, and a cold pack. The top is perfect for shelf-stable snacks. And the front pocket makes it easy to keep plasticware and napkins within reach. Nicely done, MIER people!

Chew on this:

It’s June 6th, National Applesauce Cake Day. Enjoy all the moisture sans apple flavor in this Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake. Yum!

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