Quick & Healthy Mommy Snacks

When it comes to eating during the day, it’s so easy to grab a handful of junk food to eat as you pass through the kitchen on your way to change a diaper or to get your toddler down off the table before he dives head first onto the floor (or is that just me?). Let’s face it, it’s easier to grab a handful of chips, crackers, or your child’s leftover fruit snacks, than it is to fix a healthy, nutritious snack.

But, as a busy mom, the last thing we need is something that won’t give us energy to get through the day. We need fast, easy to prepare and eat snacks to eat on the go (and if you’re lucky enough) or in those extra 5 minues you have while your toddler is busy unrolling the entire roll of  toilet paper onto the bathroom floor. (Is that just me again? Oh well!)

Try these no-fail ideas that you can eat or drink no matter how much you’re dealing with!

How about a wrap? Toss some fillings into a tortilla and you’re off! Keep some low-fat tortillas or pita pockets in the fridge and fill with veggies, garbanzo beans, hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, low-fat cheddar cheese or even some cream cheese and canned salmon.

Try a smoothie that you make at home or even one that you buy pre-made at the store. Stonyfield Farms, Dannon and Horizon are just a few of the companies that offer drinkable yogurts full of probiotics and antioxidants to boost your immune system to fight off the winter yuks. You can make your own at home by grabbing your blender and throwing in some low-fat yogurt (any flavor you like) and some fruit such as, bananas, blueberries or raspberries.

Grab and go snacks such as all natural cheese sticks, mixed dried fruit, fresh veggies or almonds are always a good choice if you’re really pressed for time. Have some premixed dips such as, peanut butter and honey, cottage cheese and dry ranch dip mix or salad dressing on hand to jazz up your snack a little as well. A banana, cheese cubes and a few whole grain crackers, a homemade whole wheat muffin, frozen grapes or a mini bagel is always a better tasting choice than chips and high sugar snacks any day!

Make your own or buy a healthy version of a hot pocket and stick in the microwave for a 60 seconds for a quick, filling meal. Buy dinner rolls at the store and fill with your favorite sandwich meat or chicken, cheese and veggies. Heat and go!

The healthy, filling snack options are endless! Do some research on the web before you head to the store next time. I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with some easy favorites of your own!