From the moment we wake up it seems like we never stop. Even on weekends, we often have to wake up early to take the kids to practice or a game, meet up with family and friends, or clean the house! And in between all these activities we want to find the time to provide healthy meals and snacks for our family.
Between-meal snacks can be a great way to fuel our bodies but can also cause us to consume an excessive amount of calories without even realizing it. A well-balanced snack should consist of a fruit or vegetable, whole grains or nuts, and a source of lean protein. Some good examples are:
- Whole-grain bread with peanut butter, a banana, and low-fat chocolate milk
- Low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese, berries, and granola
- Trail mix, a piece of fruit, and low-fat milk
- Pretzels, string cheese and 100% fruit juice
Many of these items can even be picked up at a gas station when you are on the go. On warm days, try keeping a small cooler in your car so you can quickly slip in an ice pack along with string cheese, single-serve milk, fruit or cottage cheese before you head off to family activities.
Grabbing food while on the move can sometimes be a slippery slope that promotes overconsumption of calories, fat, and sugar. The key to eating out is looking for low-calorie and low-fat options. Fast food restaurants such as Arby’s and SUBWAY offer nutritious options for both adults and kids that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, they serve Shamrock Farms milk!
Although you might feel like there isn’t enough time for everything as you rush through a busy day, one thing is for sure: you and your family need food to fuel your bodies to stay healthy and be your best. Planning ahead and making the right menu choices are key to supplying the right food for your lifestyle and helping you feel your best each day.
Try out this easy homemade trail mix!
Power Trail Mix
1 cup dried apricot halves
½ cup Craisins
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup chocolate chips
1 cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts
½ cup raw almonds
Place all the ingredients in a 1-gallon Ziploc bag and mix. For a quick grab and go snack, prepackage in 6 snack-sized bags and enjoy!
