Avoid the Food Court

It’s well known that some of your time, even if you are an on-line shopper, will be spent out running errands and at the shopping malls this holiday season.  In the past, have you ever found yourself stuck, hungry and unprepared?  Not this year!!  We are going to be prepared all season with a bag of healthy treats either in the car or next to the door.  When we leave the house, we will grab this bag of snacks and take it along to keep us away from the food court!!

What can we take as snacks?  Well, a simple baggie of chopped veggie sticks, some cheese (if you tolerate dairy), an apple or other piece of fruit.  I’m not ALWAYS a fan of bars but I would rather see you grab a high-quality protein bar to tide you over than a plate of French fries and a low quality burger.  I would like to add to your arsenal of on-the-go snacks by introducing you to energy bites!  These are no bake “power balls” as I like to call them.  They can give you just enough energy to get you through your outing and home to a full fridge of whole foods.  Plus, they are quick and easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week (but with the whole family eating them they likely won’t last that long)!! These little babies are packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats to satisfy you!

I can imagine your “stories” that may justify the food court food.  If you're out, you forgot your snacks and you find yourself getting a little "hangry" at the mall what can you do? A better choice,other than the food court, is to slow down and find a restaurant where they prepare your food and offer some healthier choices.  The sitting and relaxing while you eat is actually better for digestion as you can only digest properly in a parasympathetic state (no stress).  You will feel better and your body will thank you. 

I hope this helps you prepare for all your outings over the Holidays and for 2018.  We can all be caught in difficult situations but we still have choices!  Let me know what you have done in the past.  Do you think you'll try out the power balls for you and your family this season?  Feel free to play around with the recipe and add other nuts and seeds, like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds!  See you tomorrow!