Quick Snacks For Those Who Are Busy And On The GO!
Anyone that has followed me for any length of time knows that I love to cook and bake! But sometimes you just don’t have time because…life. Or maybe you just don’t love to cook. With the New Year here I thought it might be time to share some awesome snack ideas for those that are looking for something to grab and go! Just because you are carb conscious now doesn’t mean you can’t still have an amazingly delicious lifestyle with tons of options. And while your regular go-to snacks for something fast might not fit the bill anymore, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t options out there. Finding new options that work with your lifestyle will be just another key to your success in making this feel less like a “diet” or short term solution and more like a delicious and sustainable new way to eat!
Protein Bars
While the ingredients may look like jerky these perfect on-the-go protein snack bars pack WAY more flavor, some good fats, and no nasty fillers! This year I started boxing and would find myself STARVING right after. Unfortunately with how my day is planned I was usually out and about for at least an hour after so having a meal wasn’t in the cards. And my regular snacks just weren’t helping with the hunger. I picked up some of the EPIC Chicken Sriracha and the Venison bars and they have been a game changer! I just keep one in my gym bag and I can fuel up post workout! These have also been amazing when traveling due to not having to be refrigerated. With just 130 calories in the Chicken Sriracha bar it’s a snack that’s not going to blow all your calories. But the 13g of protein and 6g of fat will help you when you need a snack with a little more substance to help with cravings or hunger between meals.
Bonus!! EPIC offered those looking to cut the carbs this year a one-time promo code to get 20% off their bars with SURVIVE20 (GOOD THROUGH 02/29/20)! Get them here!
Macros:
Venison Bar- 120 Calories, 5g Fats, 2g Net Carbs, and 15g Protein
Olives
Olives are a fantastic snack to just grab and go! There are prepackaged olives in single serving containers that make them another great option for those watching their carbs! Green olives and Kalamata olives are my favorite! Full of vitamin E and a great source of fat! Often if I find I am just a bit peckish and need a snack I grab some olives since they are low in carbs and protein so I don’t have to worry too much about them cutting into my macros.
Macros:
30g Green Olives- 50 Calories, 6g Fat, <1g Net Carbs,0g Protein
Pickles
Like olives pickles are a fantastic grab and go snack if you are watching those carbs! This low calorie (practically a freebie) and low macro (0g Fats/Protein/Carbs) snack is perfect for when you are out of macros but find yourself feeling like a hungry hungry hippo (still one of my favorite childhood games J). Bonus: pickles are great when you find yourself a little low on electrolytes, specifically sodium and potassium! If you ever find yourself with some muscle cramps go ahead and swig a little pickle juice or have a few pickles! Just like the olives there are lots of single serving options out there that can just be thrown right in your bag for on the go snacking.
Macros:
1 Pickle Spear- 5 Calories, 0g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 0g Protein
Protein Shake
Your standard protein shake may have more carbs then you can spare now that you are watching those carbs! But don’t despair! For those that love a quick shake for on the go or just a snack there are carb conscious brands out there with good ingredients! Look for a shake that is low in carbs, no added sugar, has a good fat to protein ratio! I like the Ketologie brand (you can get in stores and online too) due to it being 0g of net carbs, 12.5g fats, and 7g protein per 1 scoop!
Macros:
1 Scoop- 150 Calories, 12.5g Fat, 0g Net Carbs, 7g Protein
Nuts
My favorite are going to be macadamia, brazil, pecan, and walnuts. All low carb nuts with good fats to help keep you satiated! While you can get these in prepackage serving I prefer to divide them into little Tupperware on my own so I reuse the containers and its more cost effective. These are a great snack when you want something salty and crunchy. I try not to snack too often on nuts thought because I find I can really overeat on them and next thing you know I have eaten my entire day’s macros in nuts!
Macros:
28g Macadamia Nuts- 200 Calories, 21g Fat, 1g Net Carbs, 2g Protein
Chocolate
Chocolate is DEFINATLY not out of the question when watching your carbs. You just need to make sure you are choosing options without added sugar. Luckily with this way of eating becoming more and more popular there are more options then ever before. Lilys, Choczero, and Coco Polo are just a few options available in stores and online.
Macros:
1 Square Chocozero Milk Chocolate: 50 Calories, 4.5g Fats, 1g Net Carbs, 0g Protein
Avocado
Now before you say, “Kassey who wants a plain avocado?” hear me out! I love to sprinkle a little everything bagel seasoning on the top and just eat it with a fork/spoon! Another way to enjoy it is mashing it up and mixing in a little garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, and lime juice to make some guacamole! Or grab one of the individual serving sized mini guacamole packets! Then dipping pork rinds, celery, green peppers, or flackers in it! Avocado are super portable and versatile!
Macros:
100g: 160 Calories, 15g Fat, 1.8g Carbs, 2g Protein
Nut Butter
Peanut, almond, and macadamia nut butters are full of good fats and some protein which make for a quick and satisfying snack. You can even take some and drizzle it over a little chocolate for a more decadent snack! And with so many individual serving sized packaged on the market you can easily store them in your bag, car, or office! Just make sure you are reading the label and are choosing a brand that is not adding sugar.
Macros:
1oz Macadamia Nut Butter: 205 Calories, 21g Fat, 2g Net Carbs, 2g Protein
Cheese
Who doesn’t love cheese ;) And it’s a delicious and nutritious snack option for those of us cutting the carbs. The mini cheese wheels, string cheese, or even a good cheese cut into little slices makes for an easy on the go snack! Most cheese will be fine but beware of the bends that are mixed with sugar, honey, or dried fruits. My favorites are goat cheese, blue cheese, and a sharp cheddar! Charcuterie boards are often my go to appetizer when out with friends to dinner. Those that aren’t cutting the carbs love it just as much as I do too!
Macros:
1oz Blue Cheese: 100 Calories, 8g Fat, <1g Net Carbs, 6g Protein
Cookies
For those of you that have the time and enjoy baking I have a TON of amazing cookie recipes here on my blog! But for those that aren’t culinarily inclined or want to just grab a cookie now and then there are more options other there then ever before! Whether you are looking for soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy there is a low carb option for you! Personally I have been a fan of High Key’s mini cookies (they remind me a little of cookie crisp) when I want that crispy cookie. And my go to soft cookie would have to be Fat Snacks chocolate chip or peanut butter cookie!
Macros:
2 Fat Snacks Peanut Butter Cookies: 110 Calories, 9g Fat, 1g Net Carbs, 3g Protein
Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!! To round out our list of snacks we couldn’t forget ice cream! The days of having to make your own from scratch to indulge in a bowl of low carb ice cream are over! I don’t live in a big city and I have 2 different options in my local grocery store alone! Not to mention a few more options online that ship within the US. My favorite would have to be Rebel Creamery’s black raspberry or coffee chip! And the best part about ice cream is it’s also a great way to get in more good fats!! Make sure to choose a brand that uses a sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit vs something like sucralose or maltitol.
Macros:
½ Cup Coffee Chip: 150 Calories, 14g Fat, 1g Carbs, 2g Protein
So there you have it! So delicious quick on the go snacks for those of us watching our carbs! A healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be limiting, boring, or time consuming! The key is finding the foods that fit your lifestyle. Luckily you don’t have to do it alone! A special thanks to Epic for sponsoring this post!
*While this post was sponsored all views are authentic and my own. I believe in never sharing what I am not 100% behind with my keto family.