Finding Balance: Snacking for Energy

Quick and easy snack options for when you’re on the go…

This post comes from nutritionist and model, Courtney James.

Depending on your destination and mode of travel, these snack and easy-to-carry foods can bring you needed in-between-meal fuel when proper meals are scarce. My friends will definitely agree that, wherever I go, I bring snacks (some call me ‘snack-mama’). I usually have everyone on a roadtrip covered when it comes to healthy sustenance! When predictable schedules and even more unpredictable flight delays are in the mix, snacks are imperative!

Paleo granola. This granola recipe is super easy, and I love using it on top of the chia seed pudding that I make pre-photoshoot or traveling for work… great to keep in a totable snaplock bag.

Ingredients:

3 cups gluten-free rolled oats

5 tbsp coconut oil

⅓ cup honey

1 tbsp cinnamon

⅓ of a lemon

⅓ cup goji berries

⅓ cup macadamia nuts

½ cup raw almonds

½ cup coconut flakes

1 tbsp cacao powder

1 tbsp maca powder

Method

— Warm up the oven to 325 F

— Chop finely, peeled skin of 1/3 lemon, and mix it in a pot with 4 tbsp coconut oil, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tsp cinnamon and warm on stove until it starts boiling.

— In a big bowl, mix with 3 cups of oats of your choice (I use Bob Mills’ gluten-free oats) and stir well.

— Add the chopped macadamias and almonds.

— Bake on foil, lightly greased with coconut oil, for 35 mins, flipping and stirring granola a couple of times after first 15 mins.

— In a bowl, add your favorite nuts and superfood goodies! I used goji berries, walnuts, raw almonds, dried coconut flakes, maca and cacao powder. Mix all of this together and store in a tight container. Can be served on its own with nut milk, yoghurt or on top of chia puddings.

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Chia seeds! A high-fibre, high-protein and omega-rich option. Your chia seeds will need to pre-soak and, to conquer that challenge, I make sure to bring a fully sealable Tupperware container  so they can soak in water or be added to yoghurt, granola and fruit (or preferably a nut milk). Make sure to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming —  they should be gelatinous in texture.

Low-sugar, high-protein protein bars. Consuming unprocessed foods is certainly the preferable option but, when you’re really in a bind, protein bars can be your best friend. Top-quality bars are a challenge to find, as many of them are derived from soy protein and are high in sugar (sugar content should preferably be below 6g per serving). Soy (particularly genetically modified soy) can negatively impact your body’s hormone levels, so it’s best to avoid. Quest bars are a great option as they are made of whey protein, but not suitable for vegans. I personally prefer cashew-based Bulletproof bars.

Kale chips. Ah, the kale chip — easy-to-make greens on the go! Greens whilst travelling can be a challenge… And kale will ensure you get your much-needed vitamins. (Zucchini chips are also a great idea.) To prep: slice thinly (not too thinly), add coconut oil, salt and pepper and bake at 450F for 25-30 minutes.

Energy Balls. Knowing what to snack on is one thing, but packing snacks is a whole other ball game (pun intended!). It can be challenging to know what travels well and what doesn’t, until our treats have suddenly melted or crumbled all over our bags! These balls are almond-based balls are crumble-free and incredibly yummy:

http://www.thehealthymaven.com/2015/03/no-bake-almond-joy-energy-balls.html#_a5y_p=3701874

Nut/trail mix. My nut mix comprises of a low-fructose, protein-dense mixture, heavy on the macadamias and cashews! (Avoid raisins if you can, and replace with golden berries if you love a bit of a sweet surprise mixed in.) Warning: golden berries can be on the tart side and may not suit all tastebuds, but they’re very high in antioxidants!

1 cup macadamia nuts

1 cup raw organic almonds

½ cup cashews

½ cup golden berries 

¼ cup goji berries

Apple slices with almond butter. A great snack which satiates sugar cravings and provides the body with protein and good fats. Me? I love an organic red Pink Lady apple, with a little almond butter applied to every bite. An added bonus — almond butters can be easily found in small sachets, like the brand Justin’s.

Chickpeas. This legume can be a great asset in controlling hunger, easily prepared at home by a quick oven roasting. Simply pour some out of a can, rinsing off the excess liquid, place them on a baking tray and add coconut oil and desired spices/salt and pepper for 20-30 minutes in an 400F oven. Easy! Bag and go! Low-sugar snack option! Success!

Goji berry and cacao nib mix. A potent antioxidant ‘super mix’, this concoction serves as an all-in-one energy and mood booster, the bitter-ish cacao nibs complementing the sweet of the goji berries. Super simple and satisfies any sugar/chocolate cravings, too!

+ Interested in working with Courtney? Email her at courtney@lovingliferaw.com for details, or visit her on Instagram!

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7 years ago

Wonderful treats! These are definitely a great alternative to a big bag of chips that are quick and cheap to get on the road. Thank you for sharing!

❀Riah
The Wanderful Soul Blog

Ev
7 years ago