Welcome to our newest series. In “Friday Favorites,” our team will share a handful of favorite items. These can range from clothes to beauty products to recipes to books and anything in between.
I carry many things in my bag – everything from a book to socks to a small elephant piece. But no matter what, I always have a snack (or five) with me. I am hypoglycemic and need quick access to healthy foods to balance my blood sugar. I am also a mom who has grown accustomed to being a human snack machine. And of course, my busy life means that those snacks are often my quick meal in the car.
After years of research (a.k.a. eating and trying not to pass out in public), I have a few favorites snacks that I can fit in my bag and take with me. All are non-perishable, easy to store, and delicious.
That’s It Fruit Bars
I found one of these bars in a 7-11 store when I was looking for a hiking snack. I often have an apple with me for a quick, healthy dose of sugar at the top of a hike. This bar is even more convenient and does not bruise like an apple does in my bag!
Each bar has 1 apple and a serving of another fruit – all packed into this delicious bar! They are tasty, high in fiber, and contain no added sugars. The apple and blueberry is my favorite; there are many different combinations though. Find one that you love!
Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars
Honestly? I hate protein bars. They are either too artificial tasting or leave a chalky aftertaste in my mouth. But these bars are the exception.
Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars are a shortbread-like bar with high in protein and low in sugar. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no GMOs (they do contain cashews and coconut, for those with allergies). And I appreciate the added collagen – always good for the hair, skin, and digestion.
But the best part of this bar is that it fills me up. I usually keep one in my purse in case I cannot get a meal or if I forget to eat breakfast. The mint-chocolate chip flavor is my go-to bar.
Emerald 100 Calorie Packs
I used to carry these as a low calorie snack. But calories are stupid; it is the food and nutrients that count. These little packs are the perfect size for my purse or lunch bag. There are multiple combinations: all one nut, nut and dried fruit, mixed nuts. My daughter and I love the cashew, almond, and cranberry packs the most. A little sweet and a little salty, with enough protein to keep you going.
ParmCrisps
Give me all the cheese. I could eat cheese all day, every day. I’ve only met one cheese I could not eat – a particularly smelly Linberger cheese that was served for breakfast in Paris. Other than this, I’ll take all the cheese.
But eating cheese on the go is not easy. These ParmCrisps are amazing! They are crisps made of parmesean cheese and in a variety of flavors. The pizza flavor is my favorite. If you are eating low carb or keto, these are a great snack. Be forewarned though: you could eat the entire bag in one sitting. They are dangerously addictive!
Icelandic Glacial Sparkling Water
Here is your PSA: drink your water. I drink so much water during the day; partially for the health benefits and partially to offset my massive daily coffee intake. When I find myself craving a soda to drink, I opt for sparkling water. I get the bubbly effect without the sugar.
Icelandic Glacial Sparkling Water is my absolute favorite sparkling water. They add just a bit of flavor so that it is not overpowering. AND it’s one of the few drinks that my kids will not try to steal from me! Tahitian Lime and Sicilian Lemon are my favorites.