When we get hungry while out shopping for gifts, we usually end up with an overpriced scone from Starbucks or something from the nearest drug store. Always unprepared! But we're trying to be proactive, which is why we've made a list of quick snacks that we can stash in a purse. As for that smoothie, above? One word: thermos.
Why not a smoothie? We frequently take coffee, tea, or water to go. A smoothie would be a great pick-me-up while we're out and about. Here are some more ideas, all of which could bang around inside a bag, don't require utensils, and won't create a mess if you're eating on the move.
• Crunchy Granola Bars (above, left), from the Kitchn
• Dried Fig and Nut Bars, from the Kitchn
• Olive Oil Granola, from the Kitchn
• Rosemary Roasted Cashews, from the Kitchn
• Clementines! Pop one in your bag with a few nuts or some dark chocolate. These are the only citrus we know of that we can peel without having to wash our hands afterwards.
• Banana-Yogurt Smoothie (above, right), from Whole Living
• Seeded Flatbread, from 101 Cookbooks. This would be great with a few slices of cheese.
• Whole Wheat Apple Muffins, from Smitten Kitchen
• Caramel-Almond Popcorn, from Bon Appétit. Any popcorn would be good, really. This one just gives you an immediate sugar rush, if that's what you need.
• A tortilla rolled up with cream cheese, alfalfa sprouts, and turkey. The cream cheese will keep everything stuck in (no flying alfalfa), and you can wrap it in foil, then peel away to eat.
• Rolls or chunks of baguette with some pear slices and cheddar. Again, wrap mini-sandwiches in foil and just pull them out when you're hungry.
What do you pack for long shopping trips? Or do you cave and go to Cinnabon?
Related: Eating at the Office: What's in Your Snack Drawer?
(Images: Faith Durand; MarthaStewart.com)
© 2010 Apartment Therapy
I did all of my shopping online this year and ate whatever I wanted.
view syrupandhoney's profile
My new favorite snack mix is from Target Archer Farms brand. Chocolate covered dried cranberries, walnuts, almonds, soy nuts, raisins and dried pineapple. It' almost like a candybar, but way better for you. Salty, sweet and chocolate, all in one pack! I put it at my desk, and have divided it into little baggies for the bus home, or for shopping trips.
view bryn's profile
Honestly, going to the mall means I can partake in some of my favorite mall-only treats, like corndogs from Hot Dog on a Stick or Orange Julius drinks. And since I'm in Southern California, there's plenty of ethnic food to enjoy in our malls, like Indian curries, tacos or Hawaiian barbecue. Of course, it's just as easy to eat a healthy and satisfying meal before heading to the mall!
Anyway, I just bought a bunch of cool, handmade gifts at the local craft fair and farmers market. So, I had an awesome lunch, bought my veggies and knocked out some gifts. Easy peasy!
view Lorena in SD's profile
I'm with bryn: Shopping is an excuse for mall food. But a lot of these would be great things to take along for holiday traveling. (No smoothies on the plane, obviously.)
view annaholl's profile
Clementines are good to drop into your bag, for thirst or hunger. Nuts are great for afternoon fuel too
view Kate (NC)'s profile