Top on-the-go snack ideas for busy people

Nearly every January, people write their resolutions, set their expectations high and kick off the new year with a bang! But oftentimes by mid-month, those big goals have fizzled out. This is typically because there isn’t a clear plan in place.

One of the biggest resolutions people make year after year is centered around health, wellness, fitness and weight loss. This can be challenging, particularly if the end goal is simply too far out of reach. But with small steps and a dedicated resolution road-map, success is possible.

Making a wellness resolution begins with simplicity. It has to be easy, realistic and able to be maintained over the long run if it’s going to work. Those who are trying to improve their nutritional wellness, for example, might simply be too busy to focus on getting the right foods in front of them. That’s where a little forethought can make easy work of convenience eating when things get busy (while sticking to resolutions!).

With that in mind, Sphinx Date Co. offers super simple, convenient and wholesome snack ideas that busy resolvers (and families!) can grab at any time.

Dubai chocolate-inspired apple sandwiches — Wash, core and slice apples horizontally, about a quarter-inch thick. Spritz the slices with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Layer each bottom slice with pistachio cream or butter, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, diced dates and finely chopped pistachios. Then top with another apple slice. Tightly wrap each “sandwich” in plastic wrap and toss them in a lunch bag to go!

Date nuggets — Dates are nature’s perfect sweet treat. But they can also be an ideal vessel to make a more complete and heartier snack. Stuff dates with cashew or almond butter and shredded coconut, for example, or a small square of brie cheese and a touch of fig jam. Simply slice, pit and stuff away!

Trail mix — Trail mix is the ultimate on-the-go snack for busy health enthusiasts. It’s also great for families with little ones, because it can be completely customized. Trail mix can be made grain-free by omitting oats and cereals and instead adding other types of seeds and nuts, and it can be made nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free, too.

To make this fun for the whole family, gather the kids, pull out a variety of ingredients, hand over some snack bags and allow everyone to make their own trail mix combos. Ingredient ideas include whole-grain cereals (such as Chex or Cheerios), mini pretzels, oats, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate chips or M&Ms, dried fruit, popcorn, granola clusters, sesame sticks, apple chips, yogurt-covered raisins, chocolate covered espresso beans (for the adults!), roasted chickpeas, corn nuts, coconut shreds, edamame crisps and more.

Individually-packaged items — Timing doesn’t always allow people to pre-make their meals and snacks. However, luckily, there are some pretty great pre-packaged foods on the market. Just keep whole foods in mind and try to purchase items that don’t have mile-long ingredient lists. Keep it simple with items such as string cheese, nut packs, beef (or turkey) sticks, protein bars (keep an eye on hidden sugars!), hard-boiled eggs, individually packaged hummus and pretzels, or guacamole and carrots. It is entirely possible to choose convenience while still making healthful decisions that support those resolution goals!

A few hours of planning once a week can set busy people up for success with these pre-made snacks that can be taken on the go. It’s also helpful for those who “live in their car” — whether it's traveling to meetings or taking the kids to appointments and activities — to keep a small cooler in their car to maintain the freshness of these snacks.

The Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry and website are stocked with snacks that can help make snacking on the go easy and wholesome this year. So stop in or click away!