Homemade and healthy snacks on hand and on the go
By Amy Clark
of The Motherload
Convenience foods can ruin anyone’s grocery budget. Let’s face it, though: Convenience foods are called “convenience foods” for a reason. These foods can be wonderful to have on hand for the times in your life when you just don’t feel like cooking, but they aren’t always the healthiest for families.
Here are some ways you can keep convenient foods on hand without breaking the budget:
- Try individually wrapping homemade items to keep on hand for snacks. Items such as homemade granola bars, muffins and even slices of homemade breads can be wrapped into single-serving portions with a little Saran™ Premium Wrap or Saran™ Cling Plus®. These are great to throw into lunch boxes or grab as a quick snack when you’re walking out the door. Not only is it convenient, but having these individually wrapped goodies can help with portion control as well.
- Keep a few snacks in your purse for your errand days, but make sure to put them in containers that will survive your travels. I love to tote mine in small plastic containers, such as Ziploc® brand Twist ‘n Loc® Containers, to help prevent them from getting crushed. Mix a batch of trail mix out of all the leftovers in your cupboards and throw it in your purse for a quick and healthy snack that can be eaten on the go. Mixes can be made from crackers, cereal, dried fruits and nuts.
- Designate one day each week to be your baking day so you can make up the snacks for the week. By setting aside just one day, you can ensure you have healthy snacks and prep work done for all your food for the week.
- Remember, the ultimate convenience food is a piece of fruit. It’s portable, it travels well and it’s the best kind of convenient food for your body.
Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty for keeping a few of those convenience foods in the pantry. They’re still more cost-effective than dining out or buying food on the go.
