I love this time of year, but really does the sun NEED to come up at 5:30am? I woke up thinking it was at least 7:00...but low and behold it was 5:45....ugh.
Before I get to my healthy snack prep tips, did anyone hear of Panera's latest idea? They opened a regular old Panera Bread (same food, same prices, etc.), but here's the kicker - you pay what you can. Whether that be a penny or a $20 bill. I know!
Their idea is that many people will overpay, which in return will help offset the ones who under pay. I think this is a great idea. This location was in Missouri...let's hope the next location is one state north:) Not only will this help someone who is struggling, but it also gives reason for some with an overflowing wallet to help a good cause.
Your thoughts?
Now, I'm guessing each and every one of you has a cupboard or pantry section in your kitchen devoted to "snacks". Especially if you have kids. My sister's pantry is a kid's dream, she has snacks available for them all the time.
And maybe the occasional sister that drops by.
Here are some easy tips to follow, whether you have kids or not...
- Prepare snacks ahead of time - when you come home from the grocery store, prep all snacks for the week as you put things away.
- Cut and wash all produce first thing - then place in baggies (or better yet containers!) in individual sized portions.
- Assemble sweet and salty snacks for the week - you never know what you'll be in the mood for come Wednesday!
- Dedicate a drawer in your fridge just for snacks, so your not searching past the leftovers for a quick bite.
Snack Ideas
- Trail mix - mix together your favorite cereal, nuts, marshmallows, and chocolate chips for a sweet and savory bite.
- Cut up veggies - personally I don't think it is wrong to eat your veggies with a little salad dressing on the side, at least your eating your veggies!
- Fruit and yogurt - mix cut up apples, kiwi, and oranges into some yogurt with a dash of cinnamon. This will keep in the fridge for a couple days.
- Assemble sliced cheese, ham, and your favorite cracker for a quick "crackwich".
- And my personal favorite - take a slice of ham spread with a little cream cheese and pop a pickle in the middle, otherwise known as a pickle roll-up.
What are your go-to healthy snacks?
I love having carrot sticks, strawberries, and Greek yogurt on hand. I have to wash and chop them as soon as I get home from the store or they go bad every time.
ReplyDeleteWe eat a lot of string cheese and Fruit Island fruit leather. I always have 100 calorie popcorn on hand, as well as 90 calorie granola bars. I could definitely do better in the veggie department and should cut some up and have them ready. Great tip.
ReplyDeletePickle wraps + crackwichs! Im coming over for snacktime!
ReplyDeleteYES, I did read that story about Panera yesterday. I think it's a risky idea, but a great one at the same time. Hopefully it will work in favor of the company...I'll be interested to hear a follow-up story on that store.
ReplyDeleteP.S. - LOVE Panera! :)
Wow, I hadn't heard about Panera's idea. I like that. I think it makes cents (get it, cents?! yeah, I'm weird). But really, it is a great idea. Hopefully they do get people to pay more so they can keep this going and rotate it into more locations. I actually really like Panera. It's fresh food and it's good food. Mmmm, that sounds good right now. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd great healthy snack ideas. Everyone can use a re freshener on this one.
What a great idea! I've heard of restaurants like that before, but never a chain!
ReplyDeleteAlmonds are my go to!
I love the Panera story! That is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI love Paneras! And great snack ideas. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat snack idea. Most days I snack on nuts and dried fruit when I get home from work. I realize I often forget to post that I did that. It's tasty, easy and healthy! though sometimes I go over the edge with nuts and eat too much!
ReplyDeleteI would probably underpay. But I'm cheap like that.
ReplyDeleteI would probably underpay. But I'm cheap like that.
ReplyDeleteGreat snack idea. Most days I snack on nuts and dried fruit when I get home from work. I realize I often forget to post that I did that. It's tasty, easy and healthy! though sometimes I go over the edge with nuts and eat too much!
ReplyDeleteI love having carrot sticks, strawberries, and Greek yogurt on hand. I have to wash and chop them as soon as I get home from the store or they go bad every time.
ReplyDelete