As a nurse and a mom, it seems like there are never enough hours in the day. Time seems to fly by and, before you know it, you’ve worked through lunch and it’s almost time to go home. Next comes the rush to get the kids and go home to fix dinner, help with homework, make sure they take a bath, prepare for the next day, and finally go to bed. Whew!! With this kind of schedule, it’s really difficulty to eat an actual meal during the day, much less anything healthy! This list of healthy snacks are perfect for the on-the-go nurse and mom.
Carrot and Cucumber Sticks with Dill Yogurt Dip
I know…it’s vegetables! Don’t knock it til you try it! I love carrots and cucumbers, especially in convenient stick-form. The dill yogurt dip is just a bonus. You can prepare the carrot and cucumber sticks the night before work and just grab them on your way out the door in the morning. The dill yogurt dip is, of course, optional. Just mix 1/3 cup of 2% Greek yogurt, 1/8 tsp. sea salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper, and 1/8 tsp. dried dill in a small container. Store the container in the refrigerator until you leave for work the next morning.
Make-Your-Own Party Mix
I usually don’t buy pre-made party mix, mainly because I never like all of the ingredients. If you’re like me, Make-Your-Own party mix is the perfect solution! You choose the ingredients that go into your mix and you’re guaranteed to like it. I like to use a combination of cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Divide into single servings, about 1/2 cup each. You can store your party mix in a sealed container or snack size baggies. Perfect to grab and go on your way out!
Popcorn
When I say popcorn, i don’t mean the movie theater, extra butter version! I’m talking about air popped popcorn or, at least, the light popcorn that you microwave. I personally like plain popcorn sometimes. Other times I crave a big tub from the movie theater…you know, the one with the free refill! When I’m trying to be healthier with my snack choices, I’ll fix plain popcorn, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil over it, and add a dash of sea salt. Try it and see if you like it, too!
Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
This is one of my favorites! I always feel like I’m cheating on my diet! Apple slices and peanut butter is also very filling, so when I need something to hold me over until dinner, this is the perfect choice. The combination of fiber in the apple and protein in the peanut butter makes this a satisfying snack. You can pick up small containers of peanut butter at the grocery store for convenience and choose your favorite apples. Slice the apples the evening before work, put them in ziploc baggies, and store in the refrigerator. Grab a bag in the morning and go! Oh, and don’t forget the peanut butter!
Dark Chocolate
If you’re craving chocolate and nothing else will satisfy that need, opt for dark chocolate. Yes, you can have chocolate if you’re trying to diet! Dark chocolate that contains at least 72% cacao is the best choice and try to limit yourself to about 2 ounces per serving. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate, so feel free to splurge occasionally!
Always remember to watch your portions when preparing snacks. Choosing healthy foods is great, but if you end up eating double portions, the calories add up! Try to divide your snacks into individual containers or baggies. This limits the temptation to overeat your healthy snack!
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