Alright moms, dads, grandparents, or all of you who cart the kids around from practice to practice and games on the weekends. This is for you. These kids are hungry…always hungry. If yours are anything like mine, they seem to eat 24/7 and this snack thing is just plain hard.
For all of you who don’t eat in your car, I envy you. I lost that battle years ago. I used to pride myself on the cleanliness of my car, but then a few kids later and I’m lucky if the worse thing on the floor of my car is crumbs and I’m thankful for black interior. All of you with light colored interior – my condolences.
The point is, we all need snacks to cart around in the car and they have to be portable. While I would love for my kids to have a salad after school, let’s be real. That’s not happening. I asked my fellow dietitians to give their best tips on portable snacks and I have a feeling you’re going to like these.
Whole Fruit and Veggies
- Bananas
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Mini cucumbers
- Snack peppers
- Baby Carrots
- Cherry Tomatoes
More Ideas with fruit:
Bri Bell of the Frugal Minimalist Kitchen suggests, “Apple and cheese is a classic tasty, nourishing, and portable snack combo. Apples have carbohydrates to give a boost of energy and fibre to keep you full. Cheese has fats and proteins to give sustainable energy.”
Of course the classic apples and nut butter is a filling and healthy choice and one of my favorites!
If you’re packing a cooler, bring along this Homemade Ranch Dip made with yogurt to dip with veggies.
Homemade Energy Bites, Balls, and Bars
Banana Peanut Butter Snack Bites from Kelly Jones Nutrition, “These banana peanut butter bites are made in one bowl vs. a food processor, so easy enough that kids can make them! They’re a great addition to school lunches or a good snack after school before practice. If swimmers are doing 2-a-day workouts, they are even a good option upon waking before morning practice.”
Protein Packed Protein Bliss Balls from Colleen Christensen Nutrition look amazing, “these granola bars are so easy to make and I love that they’re totally customizable. The oats give you a dose of energy that is sure to last!”
10 Minute Protein Energy Balls from Rebecca Clyde over at Nourish Nutrition Blog are a favorite, “these 10 minute energy bites are perfect after swim practice. They’re packed with Greek yogurt, oats, and dried fruit to refuel. Plus they’ve got peanut butter for added protein and chocolate because that makes them so delicious!”
Vegan Protein Bars from Sarah Schlichter at Bucket List Tummy look amazing, “These vegan protein bars are a great option for swimmers after practice, offering the ideal combination of carbohydrates and protein to replenish muscles! Plus, perfectly portable and easy to pack ahead and eat after.”
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars, these are my kids favorite and always requested for swim meets
Easy Homemade Chewy Granola Bars from Colleen Christensen should be in everyone’s snack bag, “These granola bars are so easy to make and I love that they’re totally customizable. The oats give you a dose of energy that is sure to last!”
More Snack Ideas!
GORP – You just have to head to Jill Castle’s website, to check it out, “I used to make this mix which I called Gorp for my own swimmers and rowers! Packed with protein fat and carbs.”
Coconut Seed Clusters from Judy Barbe look like an amazingly portable snack and something I’d see at a high end grocery store, “I like the sweet and salty. The protein and fats make them satisfying.”
Homemade Trail Mix from Sarah Schlichter is the perfect solution for picky eaters.
EVEN MORE IDEAS!
- Dried fruit
- Applesauce pouches
- Crackers
- Mini-Sandwiches
- Jerky
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- KIND Bars – lower in added sugar
- Granola
If you’re packing a cooler:
- Melissa Nieves from Fad Free Nutrition Blog loves yogurt, “I love vanilla greek yogurt topped with unsalted sliced almonds and a few bits of dark chocolate (which you can tote in a small container and add to the yogurt right before eating). It’s filling thanks to the protein in the yogurt and almonds, and also provides some antioxidants (and chocolatey yumminess) from the dark chocolate.”
- Cheese sticks
- Chocolate Milk
And don’t forget the water!!