7 Snacks To Take On-The-Go Because Science Says The Hangry Struggle Is Real
Snickers said it best: “You're not you when you're hungry.”
According to scientific studies discussed in a recent post from ScaryMommy, Brain Scanner columnist Simon Oxenham says the hangry struggle is all too real.
Here's the deal: When you wait too long in between meals, your body's blood glucose level drops, releasing stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and neuropeptide Y, resulting in aggressive behavior and mood swings.
Yikes.
When and what you eat dictates how you respond to the people around you and your overall experience, and this could have something to do with the fact that, between television commercials, diet programs, and food porn spamming social media, consumption is a constant concern.
Claude Tellis, co-founder of VeganSmart, tells Elite Daily,
We are constantly planning our days around food and meals; it has become a conscious thing that we think about often. So if we don't have food, it can ruin our day. That's why now, many people pack snacks -- whether it's string cheese, almonds, or an apple. Not because we are afraid to starve to death, but because we know how the lack of food for a short period can affect our emotions and experiences.
Sound familiar?
Don't let lack of snacking get in the way of your good time! Next time you're on the move doing your thang, grab any of these foods to stop the hangry struggle before it starts.
1. Granola
Whether you love the bars or the cereal, granola is one of the easiest on-the-go snacks to toss in your bag and pick at on your commute.
Julie's Real Grain-Free Cacao Coconut Granola pouch is a pre-packaged serving, made with "the best whole food ingredients" to sustain energy throughout the day.
2. Protein Bars
Personally, I'm all about the new Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed Dark Chocolate bars for a quick pick-me-up between meals.
Unlike dense meal replacement options that taste like straight protein powder, this brand's ingredient list is simple and wholesome, made with pumpkin seeds, honey, and cacao.
Pumpkin seeds are high in iron and protein, and this bar boasts a whopping seven grams to keep you full and thriving.
3. Popcorn
Popcorn is the real MVP when it comes to on-the-go indulgences (except when you take off your bra later and popcorn crumbs rain down onto your feet).
It's delicious, airy, and you can add all kinds of spices to satisfy your taste buds.
If you've got a sweet tooth, mix a baggie of popcorn with a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips, and sprinkle some cinnamon on top, if you're into it.
4. Fruit
Healthy and hearty, you can never go wrong with popping produce on-the-go.
Fruit like bananas, apples, pears, or a baggie of grapes will survive the best in your purse.
5. DIY Trail Mix
Most store-bought bags tend to include a bunch of excessive sugar and salt.
Make your own trail mix to snack on when hangry cravings get heinous, mixing together a tablespoon of Craisins or M&Ms if you need a chocolate fix, along with almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.
6. Jerky
Turkey, beef, chicken, fish -- whatever your protein preference, there's a stick for that.
Epic Bar snack strips come in wagyu beef steak, turkey cranberry sage, venison sea salt pepper, and even smoked salmon maple for a pescatarian option.
7. Nut Butters
Anything rich in nut butters tastes like a treat and will keep you full for hours.
Perfect Bars and Earnest Eats are my current go-tos for a quick bite of healthy fats and protein.
Or, go ahead and get a little jar of your favorite nut butter to stash in your purse and treat yourself to little spoonfuls of the good stuff throughout the day. Ain't no shame in that game, girl.
Happy (not hangry) snacking, friends!
