Healthy Snacks for Busy Moms: Quick and Nutritious Options to Keep You Energized

Being a mom is a full-time job, and often, it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Between taking care of the kids, managing the household, and possibly working outside the home, finding time to eat—let alone eat healthily—can feel like an impossible task. But fueling your body with the right snacks is essential to maintaining your energy levels and overall well-being.

Here are some healthy, easy-to-prepare snacks that are perfect for busy moms on the go:

Mix your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a nutrient-dense snack. For an added boost, include dark chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness without overloading on sugar. You can also throw in 1-3 Brazil nuts for added thyroid support.

Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries in a mason jar for a protein-packed snack. You can prepare these the night before to have a ready-to-go treat in the morning. Purely Elizabeth is a great clean granola brand without any inflammatory oils or additives.

Cut up carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and pair them with a small container of hummus. This snack is rich in fiber and keeps you full between meals.

Slice apples or bananas and pair them with almond or peanut butter for a combination of carbs and healthy fats that’ll give you sustained energy. Make sure that your nut butters are simply just the nut butter and/or sea salt. Avoid nut butters with inflammatory oils or added sugar.

Combine oats, nut butter, honey, and add-ins like flax seeds, chia seeds, or mini chocolate chips to create no-bake energy balls. Store them in the fridge for a quick bite during busy moments.

Pair slices of your favorite cheese with whole-grain crackers for a balanced snack that’s easy to pack and eat. Simple Mills crackers and Seite chips are great, non-inflammatory brands to add in.

Blend a mix of fruits, spinach, Greek yogurt, and almond milk to create a refreshing and nutrient-packed drink. Pour it into a travel cup if you’re on the move.

Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and can be prepared in bulk. Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper for added flavor. Each egg is roughly 6g of protein.

Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fiber snack. Sprinkle it with a bit of Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for extra flavor. Lesser Evil is a great cleaner option found at most local grocery stores.

Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or chili flakes. Cut into smaller pieces if you need to eat it quickly. Added bonus if you can make your own sourdough and add the avocado mash to that.

·         Prep Ahead: Set aside a little time each week to prepare and portion your snacks. This will save you time and ensure you have healthy options readily available.

·         Choose Portable Options: Opt for snacks that are easy to pack and eat, especially if you’re often on the go.

·         Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, what feels like hunger is actually thirst. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. Aim for half of your body weight in ounces of water per day.

Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. By keeping healthy snacks within reach, you’ll be better equipped to tackle whatever your busy day throws at you!