Healthy Snacks for the Road and To Have on Hand

June usually means two things – start of summer travels and beginning of the storm season. To help you be prepared for both, I want to offer you my Z-tips for healthy, locally-made snacks to stock up on. They are great to take with you on the road, to the airport or to enjoy when you are at home without electricity.


Stay Strong With Protein
Did you know that flying can put a lot of stress on the body and affect your digestive system? In times like that, animal protein can be too hard for the body to handle, so I would recommend getting FroPro – a delicious protein bar made fresh in Boca. One small 136-calorie nugget boats 10 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fat. My favorite one is the Chocolate Peanut Butter that’s made with Plant-Based Protein Powder, Peanut Butter, Rolled Oats, Cacao Powder, Raw Honey and Cinnamon. Check them out www.gofropro.com to find a retailer near you.



The Cookie To Live For
We all know that too much sugar is not good for us, yet many still give in their dessert cravings. I am a big believer in moderation and smart indulgences, so when I am in the mood for something rich, sweet and crunchy, I go for Ginny Bakes cookies. This Miami-based bakery specializes in non-gmo, organic and gluten-free treats that are to live for! GMO foods have been found to have a negative effect on health and gluten protein can be very hard to digest (For more information about gluten, check out my previous blog HERE – PLEASE ADD LINK) So, why settle for less? These cookies are delicious and Ginny’s 2-cookie snack packs can help you practice portion control. For more information on where to find, check out www.GinnyBakes.com


A New Take on Carbs
If you are like me, then you may get bored during a long road trip and want to snack. Usually that can backfire, since eating and sitting for hours is not the best idea. To help you satisfy the need to snack and stay healthy, I suggest checking out Shawnee’s Greenthumb Popcorn. Created in Miami, this non-gmo popcorn is unlike any other on the market – it is superfood. Shawnee did an outstanding job loading this fiber-rich snack with spirulina (the most nutrient-dense food on the planet), nutritional yeast (rich in protein and vitamin B-12), garlic powder, cayenne powder (helps boost metabolism) and kelp powder (helps regular thyroid function).  Find it in the popcorn isle at Whole Foods or for other locations, check out www.greenthumbpopcorn.com


Get Your Greens On
Travel and tropical storms can be stressful and healthy dark leafy greens may be hard to find. When you find yourself in need of a strong nutritional boost, I recommend stocking up on energy bars with greens. One of my favorite company’s is Vero Beach-based Greens Plus. Not only are their chocolate-covered Greens + CHIA bars full of immunity-boosting nutrients, they taste like dessert! You can buy them at any Whole Foods or online at www.greensplus.com


Foods to keep your hydrated
Whether you are flying and want to stay hydrated on board or simply need a thirst-quenching snack while stuck at home during hurricane, I suggest reaching for Florida’s oranges and grapefruits. Their high potassium content will help you keep fluid in your body regulated and the vitamins and antioxidants can boost your immune system on crowded flights. Also, these fruits have a thick peel that makes them easy to transport and eat, since there is no hand-washing needed. NOTE: Grapefruits may interact with some medicines, so check with your doctor before you eat them.

---