by Ellen Horowitz
Have you ever embarked on a routine errand with a perfectly reasonable child only to have him completely melt-down for no apparent reason? Or, been at the grocery store calmly checking things off your list when all of a sudden you found yourself buying and eating an entire box of donuts? You ask yourself ‘how did I end up chasing my formerly well-behaved toddler through the book store’ or ‘did I really eat an entire box of donuts before I even paid for them?’ You look for an explanation--perhaps a full moon, a growth spurt or raging PMS—but frequently the culprit is just plain old hunger.
Between school, work, household chores, playdates, practices, birthday parties and family obligations we’re so busy that we don’t always make time to think about what we eat, if we eat at all. But a simple snack can make all the difference in your mood, attitude and energy level. So no matter where you are or where you’re going, always make time for a snack. Where can you get something quick, tasty, affordable and nutritious on the go? Read below for some suggestions. But before you do, here’s a quick disclaimer: I have tried to suggest healthy snacks, but I’m not a total killjoy. I know that sometimes there’s nothing better than a giant cookie or greasy french fries. Of course there are days when we want to--and should-- indulge our kids and ourselves. Just not every day.
Bagel or Sandwich Shops… Try a bagel (my son likes whole wheat bagel or cinnamon raisin) with low-fat cream cheese or look for a bran or whole wheat muffin. Most have fruit salad and low-fat milk or yogurt as well.
Coffee… Dunkin Donuts recently launched their DDSmart menu, which offers healthier choices that the traditional menu. Your kids might try the multi-grain bagel or reduced fat blueberry muffin while you can enjoy five lower calorie coffee drinks. Yes, there’s more than coffee at Starbucks. Try the power protein plate of fruit, cheese, peanut butter, whole wheat bagel and hard-boiled egg, the fruit & cheese plate with cheese, apples and grapes, a multi-grain roll with fruit preserves, apple bran muffin or low fat blueberry muffin, organic low-fat milk plus a petite vanilla scone or a small package of nuts.
Convenience Stores… There’s just something so convenient about convenience stores and these days, you can find more than just beer and dirty bathrooms at these time-saving mini-marts. For example, I was pleasantly surprised to find a great little fruit, veggie & cheese tray at 7-11. Look in the cold cases near the perimeter of the store for fresh fruit, cheese sticks or hard-boiled eggs. In the snack aisles you can find pretzels, graham crackers, mini boxes of cereal, nuts or trail mix.
Drive-thru windows… Fast food is not usually known for being healthy, but many chains are trying to provide healthier options. When you just can’t get out of the car due to time, rain or because the mere idea of unloading the stroller makes you want to cry, consider Arby’s: applesauce, mini turkey or ham & cheese sandwich; Chick-fil-A: fruit cup, low-fat milk, multigrain bagel (breakfast only); McDonald’s: fruit & yogurt parfait, apple dippers, fruit & walnut salad, low-fat milk or Wendy’s: mandarin oranges, turkey sandwich.
Grocery Stores… What could be a better place to find a snack than a grocery store? Here you can get fresh fruit, pre-cut veggies, mini boxes of cereal, whole wheat or fruit muffins at the bakery, or even stop by the deli for a few slices of cheese or lean lunch meat. Some special features of our local markets include: Fresh Market where the bulk foods area has dried fruit, nuts, mixes and candy, which can be bought per piece versus an entire package; Publix, which has hard-boiled eggs in the deli area as well as small fruit and veggie trays with tasty dips or Target where there are individually packaged cheese sticks, small sandwiches, or pre-cut veggies near the deli case or in the snack bar. At Whole Foods you needn’t go further than the produce department with its large selection of pre-cut fruits and vegetables as well as fresh guacamole and salsa and an enticing juice bar. For something different try the “just veggies,” crunchy dried vegetables that you can eat out of the package like chips. If those don’t do it for you, check the bakery case for vegan, whole wheat or gluten free baked goods or, for a larger snack, the elaborate hot, cold and dessert bars as well as more than a dozen types of soup.
Smoothies… Fruit smoothies can be a great source of fruit and protein and are super easy to take on the go. But watch out: sometimes you can have too much of a good thing if you don’t check the calories and sugar content. Try Planet Smoothie’s 12-ounce Kid’s menu or Tropical Smoothie Café’s low-fat smoothies.
