Snacks aren’t just for toddlers!

Let’s be honest, we all need snacks, right? I never left the house without snacks when my kids were younger, and now I don't leave without snacks for myself. Some of my whole foods travel snacks are pre packaged, but I also wanted to share a protein ball recipe. There are lots of variations on Pinterest if you want to mix it up. The recipe that I started with was shared with my mom from a Dallas Cowboys nutritionist. Tell your kids that and watch them gobble them up!!

Protein ball basics

2 scoops Protein powder

1 cup Peanut butter ( any nut butter)

1 ½ cups Oats

¼ cup Honey

1 teaspoon Flax seed

2 tablespoons of chocolate chips

Directions

1. Place oats, peanut butter, honey, and protein powder in a large bowl and stir to combine.

2. Combine the rest of the ingredients to oats mixture. It may seem too thick at first, but keep mixing. I use my hands to knead the dough near the end. If the mixture is still crumbly, add a teaspoon of water.

3. Once combined, form the dough into bite size balls.

4. Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.

Variations for sweetness - 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips, raisins, coconut flakes, or handful of M&M’s.

Serving Size: 1 ball (Chocolate PB)

• Calories: 104

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 2mg

• Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Unsaturated Fat: 5g

• Trans Fat: 0g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 5g

• Cholesterol: 0mg
  

I keep the Protein balls in the fridge so kids can grab a couple before practice, or while they are waiting for dinner for a little boost.

Others snack ideas:

Almonds - you can buy a bag of almonds and portion them out, or spend a little extra and buy the 100 Calorie pre-packaged bags. I know I can eat a full bag of almonds and not even realize it, so the Pre-packaging helps Me!

Beef jerky -Grass-fed and no sugar added. Be sure to read the ingredients on beef jerky, some flavors have a ton of sugar added. (Chomps and Country Archer are good choices)

Kind bars - the great thing about Kind Bars, is most convenient stores sell them now. So grab a Kind Bar for a great choice and little bit of sweetness instead of the Snickers. They also have Protein Bars that are delicious.

Protein shakes(or powder) - Premier is a top pick for flavor with most people, but its’ not dairy free. I learned a tip for traveling with Protein Power. Scoop the Protein powder into your shaker cup. When you are ready to drink it, pour your bottled water on top. Then FLIP IT upside down really quickly, leave it upside down till all the powder drops, then shake to blend. This technique prevents the chunks of protein at the bottom.

Rice cakes -For the record I was not a rice cake fan. I think it was because I had tried the plain ones dry! A co worker made me try the chocolate flavored Rice Cakes with peanut butter on top, and now I’m a believer in rice cake snacks so give it a try.

Peanut butter - a must to have on hand. I have a jar at work for emergencies. All-natural is the best choice.

Trail mix ( mixed nuts and dried fruit) - take some time and read the ingredients on the different trail mixes and find a mix with dried fruit, but no ADDED sugar. In a pinch and at the convenience store, trail mix with M&M is still a better choice than a Snickers, give a few M&M’s to your kids if it makes you feel better.

Oatmeal - ok, I don’t travel with Oatmeal, but it is a good option to keep at work to boost your carbs. The RXBAR brand has lots of bonus whole food goodness.

Find your favorite whole food snacks and keep them with you so you are prepared when those cravings hit, plan for success! Let me know your favorite Go-To snacks, I would love to share with others!

You got this,

Cindy

PS. When you have a sugar craving, try to grab some protein instead and that will shut that craving down!