On-the-Go Summer Snacking

As Kelly Jones Nutrition continues to grow, the opportunities to educate you in creative ways grow too! I’ve always loved video education and am excited to finally announce my new You Tube channel, Kelly’s Fit Kitchen. You’ll be getting detailed blog posts to support each video over here, but if you love consuming information in video format versus print, you’ll want to head over to my page to subscribe. To kick things off, we’re starting with a video covering tips for on-the-go summer snacking.

Growing up in the northeast, we weren’t out of school til the end of June, and July was pretty much dedicated to swimming. August was our opportunity to explore with day trips to beaches and parks, as well as the month we traveled for our summer vacations. Now in my adult mind, August remains a month for exploration and fun… but also some quality time in the car (or on a plane, train, etc).

Do you need more ideas for summer snacks? Don’t wait til you leave the house! Plan ahead and stock your fit kitchen so you’re prepared for on-the-go summer snacking! Whether you’re heading to the pool, beach, or theme park, having satisfying and nourishing snacks is crucial for you and your family to have energy to enjoy these long summer days, while fitting in fitness, too.

Prepping snacks in advance can save you money and time, plus ensure you have options everyone will eat. The key to these snacks being energizing, adequate and nourishing, is always including fiber rich carbs, protein, and fat. For example, pairing fruit with yogurt, string cheese or nut butters will keep you satiated for longer than if you just ate a piece of fruit. Ensuring that all these nutrients are included will help you feel full and satisfied, which makes it less likely that you’ll overeat later in the day.

While there’s always room for fun snacks, too, striking the right balance with your summer snacking means you not only get the nutrients you need for your body to be fueled or recover from activity, but you’ll also feel satisfied so that you aren’t searching for another snack soon after. It’s also important to be mindful about the snacks you’re bringing and how they may make you or your kids feel while outside in the sun or swimming!

How to Pack

Choose a Bag/Cooler

Large coolers and ice packs can be a pain, so I highly recommend freezable lunch bags. You keep them in your freezer overnight and then can add items that need to be kept cool, like yogurt, string cheese, hummus and veggies, and berries. Foods that don’t need to be cold can be put in your beach bag, backpack, or even just a reusable grocery bag for the car.

Identify the best foods for transport

It’ll be easier to bring apples or oranges than strawberries, for example. Dried fruit and pressed fruit bars are also great options. Remember though to ensure a satisfying snack, pair these fruits with a protein and healthy fat source.

Don’t forget your protein!

Portable protein and fat don’t stop at nuts and seeds. Salmon and tuna pouches are available everywhere and you can pair them with crackers or pretzels and hummus for a protein rich snack for your active family. Bean based snacks are also great; grab bean tortilla chips or roasted flavored bean snacks. If you have the time, you can throw together homemade snack bites or protein bars, too.

Hydrate!

Don’t forget your reusable water bottle or favorite flavored seltzer. Hydration is key for optimal energy levels!

My Summer Snacking Recipes & Ideas

• PB Banana Energy Bites
• Snickerdoodle Protein Bars
• Patriotic Smoothie Pops
• Cashew Cookie Bars
• Garbanzo Berry Cupcakes
• Plantain chips and guac/salsa
• Cheese sticks and whole grain crackers
• Frozen watermelon (or other fruit) slices
• Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate  
• Avocado, tomato, corn salad with balsamic dressing w/ whole grain tortilla chips 
• Popcorn with different seasonings 

Bottom line:

Summer is about making memories, and treats can be a part of that, too! Just keep these other summer snacking ideas on hand to optimize energy levels and support your fit lifestyle. Having familiar food on the go is a win for the whole family.