missfitbliss » Blog Archive » Apron vs. Reality: Part 1

Apron vs. Reality: Part 1October 26, 2010

I suspect I’ve made it very clear up to this point that I am in love with cooking. It has always been a huge component of living healthfully in my world. My solution to most problems (besides coconut water) is to try to make everything from scratch. It’s promised to taste better and be better for you because it’s most likely to have less preservatives and other chemicals that are usually added to pre-cooked packaged food.

Now I have a feeling that half of you are reacting to such a statement with a hardy nod of agreement, but I strongly believe the other half may be rolling their eyes and thinking: “Psh. Yeah, thanks missfitbliss, I’ll add ‘making a meal from scratch’ to my list of 5,000 things to do today. Right behind working a 9 to 9 and taking care of my children!” This is the exact reason why I decided to insert this little mini-series into the food section of the site. To cater a little to the men and women out there who barely have time to sleep (let alone cook) and who want to make healthier choices even without owning an apron. So here goes:

I cook and eat often from the comfort of my own home. You have plenty of evidence of this fact throughout the website. But, I make sure to keep myself armed with certain snackable items in both the car and my purse at all times. When you’re constantly moving or working in an office, consider picking up a few of these items to satiate your appetite while helping your body gain optimal health.

Annie's makes delicious organic fruit gummy snacks with no gelatin, therefore no meat. I got these at Whole Foods. If you don't have access to Whole Foods or any other healthy market, check out your local grocery chain for at least a small health food section in the store. This brand is a popular one so they may very well carry it.

I got this trail mix at Target. Target has become GREAT at carrying healthy snack foods. Archer Farms is a solid brand to look for because they tend to have all natural ingredients - some of their snacks are even organic. This one is not. But...

I really like it because there are more nuts than fruit in the bag. I can't deal with trail mix that's mostly blobs of dried, goopy unidentifiable fruits. Similar to when you buy mixed nuts and 90% of the can is full of peanuts, with only 1 lonely cashew at the bottom.

This bad boy is packed with delicious good for you ingredients. It is from Whole Foods, and it is expensive.

Here's a cheap classic. The Chuck Taylor of the foodie world, bananas never go out of style and they're never very expensive. The organic ones cost only a few cents more per pound than conventionally grown ones.

I like them all spotted and brown. I'd rather eat a rotten apple than a green banana.

Drum roll please for one of my biggest vices... (I really must get a life soon if I consider cheese an actual vice), Horizon Organic American Cheese slices. I love the little plastic wrappers. It always transports me back to childhood, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tomato soup. Not sure why I look cross-eyed in this shot.

Because wheat is not an option for me, I eat a lot of potato chips when I need a quick snack. I do my best to choose ones that have the shortest list of ingredients.

Last but no least, the incredibly versatile apple. One of the least perishable items on this list, it's great because you can quickly rinse it off, wipe, and wrap it with a paper towel, slide it into a bag and be on your way. I notice the fibrous nature of the apple really helps stave off a ravenous appetite before a late lunch or dinner.

So there are some of my suggestions for healthy eating in between meals when you don’t have time to cook or pack a bunch of delicate and perishable food items. All but the cheese can be tossed into your glove compartment. Give it a try! Next up in the miniseries: finding healthy stuff in a gas station. I’m not joking.

QUESTION:
Do you have any other quick snackable items to add to this list?

http://www.bloggingoverthyme.com Laura

I think organic low-fat string cheese is a good snack option, as well as Larabars. I also think a good sweet snack are meringues (preferably with chocolate chips) from TJ’s!
http://ahungryspoon.blogspot.com Kylie @ A Hungry Spoon

Love your list! Archer Farms makes awesome trail mix, don’t they? Nothing beats whole almonds and walnuts in trail mix.

Lately I’ve been packing grapes and/or mini Lara Bars (carrot cake flavor!) for my mid-morning and afternoon snacks. Also portable, easy, and tasty
http://wheres-the-beach.blogspot.com/ Heather (Where’s the Beach)

For me – prepping is really helpful. I try to take one day that I know I have some free time and cook off beans to freeze, lots of extra rice or barley to also freeze. I also try to make extra veggie/bean burgers to keep in the freezer. All of these things can add up to a quick meal and so much cheaper than buying canned, boxed, premade. I agree that fruit makes a super great snack – toss in some nuts or PB and you’re good to go!
http://agirlandhermutt.com Erin

HA! The Chuck Taylor of the food word. Great!

One of my fave snack foods is string cheese. It is quick, easy, and oh so delicious!
http://atasteofconfidence.wordpress.com Jess

I love the trail mix from Target!
http://midwesternmusings.wordpress.com Kayla

I love the idea of your gas station post. I’m always on the hunt for healthy quick-grab stuff, and I think I’ve become a master, especially with driving back and forth between Wisconsin and Michigan.
http://roastedrootsandpumpkinspice.wordpress.com RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice

I snack up a lot on fresh fruits. Healthy, quick, and keeps me satisfied!
http://www.justcallmesassy.blogspot.com sassy molassy

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love what you have going on here…going to add you to my google reader.

I think with some preparation, it can be much easier and cheaper to eat natural and healthy snacks like you’ve shown here. It’s when people are rushed, stressed and unprepared that they have to resort to vending machines or mini markets for snacks. I too have been impressed with Targets selection of healthy foods. Their cereal prices are way cheaper than our local chain grocery store as well as some other basic baking essentials I use.
http://yummieecupcake.wordpress.com/ yummieecupcake

oooh i love your blog! you have a cool blog!!

chips! who can say no to chips!!!
busybodyk

I’m addicted to cranberry nut trail mix and apples! Those are my favorite fast foods. I love granola bars too. They stay in my purse. I’m evil when I’m hungry and I don’t share my snacks! lol
http://www.thefitnessdish.com Laury@TheFitnessDish

What great post!!! It’s true…cooking is the way to go..however not everyone hs the time to make things from scratch, unfortunately. Luckily, there are products like Annie’s and Amy’s out there for those busy days…and you can even pull a Sandra Dee and do semi-homemade all-natural meals!!!

Adorable, yet informative post, as always
http://www.iheartwellness.com Kris | iheartwellness.com

I love potato chips, but have to keep them out of my house or I will eat the whole bag every day!

I also love bananas speckled too!!! I dislike them green

Eating natural and homemade is the best as you know what you are getting and are keeping all your nutrients! Eating clean and natural like we do means more nutrition even from our baked goods

xxoo
http://ahappyhealthylife.wordpress.com/ Aimee

I tend to keep Wheat Thins and cheese on hand for quick snacks. Of course, apples and bananas area also a great snack, as is yogurt or cottage cheese.
Anonymous

Cool Sassy! So glad you stopped by mine;) I’m kind of in love with Target.
Anonymous

I’m big on the dairy products as quick snacks too Aimee!
http://www.MyLifeRunsOnFood.com Sanura

I love eating tart apples with sharp chedder cheese!
Anonymous

I’ve never heard of these meringues! I’m intrigued…
Anonymous

Yes! I feel your pain Kayla. I used to do a lot of driving and sometimes it’s pain in the butt to find decent food on the road.
http://foodlovingpolarbear.com Foodlovingpolarbear

hose gummy snacks look so good! I also like more nuts in my trail mix.. I’m not a big fan of raisins anyway and that’s what usually seems to be in trail mixes in Finland.
Karen

Thanks for visiting my blog. You said several things in your different sections that jumped out at me. I was the kid who flunked the President’s Fitness thing. Bent arm hangs! Yikes. And your comment about eating what the body wants not what the mind wants caught my attention because I have recently started reading a book about intuitive eating that that aspect of it confuses me. I suspect I would have a hard time hearing and listening to my body. Sigh.

Between meal snacks… sometimes I boil eggs and keep them in the fridge for something quick and protein filled. I do well if I have sliced some colored peppers ahead of time too. For me, being prepared is key.
Anonymous

I’m so glad you stopped by Karen! The President’s Fitness test was quite an endeavor:) I always find that my body’s intuitive voice is much stronger when I’m moving my body regularly. The more time I devote to working out, the more active that voice is that tells me what nutrients I really need and how much.

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Apron vs. Reality: Part 1October 26, 2010

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