Last week I made a reel featuring my favorite brain-healthy snacks for on-the-go. These are what I keep on hand to keep my family fed and happy while we’re out and about. You can view the reel here and read below for more details:
Freeze-dried fruit
My favorite brain-healthy snacks for on-the-go are freeze-dried fruit. Happily, my kiddo loves these too, and they will gladly dig into these travel-friendly nibbles. Now, these are kind of pricey, so I reserve them just for car/travel snacks.
I find freeze-dried strawberries especially delicious, and they even have brain-health benefits like their fresh or frozen counterparts. I have trouble getting berries into my diet during the winter, so I’m grateful I can snack on these to reach my weekly berry servings.
My kiddo loves freeze-dried cinnamon apple. These are a great way to get some fiber and cinnamon into your diet. Studies have shown that cinnamon can significantly improve learning and memory.
Nuts
As one of the MIND Diet recommended foods, it’s super easy to get your weekly nut servings in if you keep them handy for snacking. I have a super fancy system that involves dumping almonds, walnuts, and chocolate chips into a zipper bag and tossing it into my car. (I cannot do nuts without chocolate – it’s just one of my things!) Keep whatever nuts and mix-ins you like on hand for a great protein snack while you’re out and about.
Whole-grain granola bars
As a ’90’s kid, I am emotionally attached to granola bars. I don’t think I will ever give them up. Yes, I am aware that they have added sugar, but we are about balance here. Sometimes convenience wins out. Look for a bar with whole grains, fiber, and the least amount of added sugar you can find (be sure to read the nutrition facts and ingredients).
I accept that these are not the perfectly healthy snack, but that’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for the convenience factor. Snacking on whole grain granola bars keeps me from getting so hangry I feel like I need to stop at a drive-thru for French fries or ice cream – I consider that a win.
Mandarin oranges
The last of my favorite brain-healthy snacks for on-the-go are mandarin oranges, sometimes called clementines… you know, those small fresh oranges. These are so easy to grab out of the fridge on your way out the door for a fresh fruit option. Whenever I snack on these after a run or a hike it takes me back to scarfing down orange slices after a childhood soccer game. In addition to the nostalgia factor, oranges also boast neuroprotective flavonoids.
Keeping it all organized
I stash all the non-perishable snacks (freeze-dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars) in a soft-sided bin in my car. That keeps them all contained, and I can easily move the bin from car to car as needed or bring it inside for a restock. You could keep those same snacks in your main bag as well. With just a little bit of planning ahead, you can have brain-healthy snacks for on-the-go easily in reach. If you’re a busy parent and/or caregiver as well, try out my system or develop your own. Let me know any snacks I missed or what system you come up with in the comments. Happy MIND Diet snacking!
(I have no affiliation with any of these products or make any money from this post. This is just what I use and love and wanted to pass along.)
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