SUMMARY

Depending on where you’re traveling to, the availability of nutritious food may be limited, so packing your own might be the best decision. Our list of recommended foods includes organic cereal packs and popcorn.

Fresh N’ Lean is the nation’s largest organic meal delivery service. Our tasty, chef-prepared cuisine is always fresh and never frozen, and we offer five convenient meal plans: Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Standard Vegan and Low-Carb Vegan. Choose Fresh N’ Lean for affordable nutrition, delivered to your doorstep.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, taking a breather is necessary for a recharge.

The glamour of packing up your bags for a getaway seems almost picture-perfect. You’re cruising into the sunset in a top-down Cadillac or sippin’ on some champs in the airport’s VIP lounges. What’s there to not like?

While there are certainly many benefits to traveling, healthy food might not be one of them. While you’re taking a road trip up the Coast, you’re also giving up access to your comfortable kitchen. While you’re taking Insta-worthy shots in front of landmarks, you’re also surrounded by fast-food restaurants. While you’re indulging in your newly-ordered airport combo, you’re also missing the luxury of being able to read its ingredients.

The truth of the matter is that going on trips disrupts your everyday life, whether it’s your workout routine or meal prep schedule. With the help of yoga pants, some alkaline water, and healthy snacks, the going can get a lot easier.

Depending on where you’re traveling to, the availability of nutritious food may be limited, so packing your own might be the best decision. Here are some options we’ll submit for your consideration:

Cereal, but for adults

When you’re on-the-go, it’s smart to pack foods that are non-perishable. Organic cereal packs like Dr. McDougall’s will prove to be a lifesaver when you’re in need of a fulfilling and healthy snack. Filled with organic chia seeds, buckwheat, and quinoa, they’ll give you the boost of energy you need while making sure you get your dose of Omega-3’s.

Crossfitters approve

Some protein bars can seem off-putting whether hiding behind mini chocolate chips or added sugars. Now, there’s a protein bar that skips on the facade by promising all-natural ingredients. As listed on the front of each RXBAR, eating one is equivalent to eating 3 egg whites, 6 almonds, 4 cashews, and 2 dates. Skip on the additives, and munch on something with ingredients you can pronounce instead.

Not brunch on a Sunday, but close enough

When you’re brunching out on a Sunday, bottomless mimosas and an eggs benedict are a must-have. Unfortunately, while traveling, whipping up a gourmet-style meal is easier said than done, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy one of your favorite breakfast necessities. Get crafty by making your own rendition of devilish eggs. Slice your hard-boiled eggs, and sprinkle paprika on top!

Avoid airplane junk food like the plague

While traveling, you can expect to be moving around a lot. Expect that your bags are going to be lugged and hauled while going through security, so pack foods that aren’t easily spoiled or smashed. Hard fruits, like apples or oranges, or nuts, are small and easy to pack while making a healthier alternative to airplane junk food when you’re having cravings.

Every healthy person’s snack

Anytime you enter an air-conditioned facility, whether airport or hotel, vending machines seem to be more of an alluring appeal. Besides, who wouldn’t want a chocolate bar or sugar-loaded soda? Since we’re aiming for healthy here, SkinnyPop popcorn will be your go-to snack while on the go. As tasty as they are, they contain no GMO’s or artificial ingredients, so feel free to munch away minus the guilt.

Bonus travel food hacks:

• For a more eco-friendly getaway, instead of using plastic bags or plates, invest in an eco-friendly stainless-steel lunchbox like PlanetBox that you can use over and over again or 100% recyclable brown lunch paper bags.
• Expect that most airports will not have a public microwave available for use, so opt for non-perishable dry foods (snack packs like almonds, trail mix, or protein bars) that require minimal add-ons or little preparation.
• If you want to save on a few bucks while on-the-go this summer, carry your own reusable water bottle or tumbler. A water bottle can range from 5 to 8 dollars at a hotel (thanks, inflation), but by carrying your own, you can refill it wherever there’s a fountain, or simply ask your flight attendant. If you’re feeling fancy, DYLN offers portable water bottles that turn your water into alkaline water!

What are your tips for eating healthy while on-the-go? Share them below in the comments!

The post How to Pack Healthy Foods for Travel appeared first on Fresh n' Lean.

Fresh N’ Lean is the nation’s largest organic meal delivery service. Our tasty, chef-prepared cuisine is always fresh and never frozen, and we offer five convenient meal plans: Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Standard Vegan and Low-Carb Vegan. Choose Fresh N’ Lean for affordable nutrition, delivered to your doorstep. 

Just ask any health professional and they’ll tell why you should consider adding seeds to your diet.

From the tiny chia seed to the more robust pepita, each seed is packed full of an incredible wealth of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, which are an essential part of a well-balanced diet.

But there’s more to seeds than the health benefits you can reap from them. They add a bit of crunch, a pop of flavor, and are a wonderfully simple way to jazz up a dish – whether you’re meal prepping at home or want to add a personal touch to a premade meal.

Today, we’ll take a look at four healthy seeds to stock in your pantry and how they can help you achieve your dietary goals.

Flax Seeds

Also known as linseeds, flax seeds have long been valued for their nutritional value. Once cultivated in the Fertile Crescent and ancient Egypt, flax continues to be a staple crop in our modern world both for its fiber and its superfood status seeds.

• Flax seeds are widely recognized for being densely packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
• These little brown seeds are brimming with omega-3s, fiber, and protein as well.
• Worried about your cholesterol levels? When added to your diet, flax seeds can help lower the level of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in your blood.
• To get the most out of your flax, you’ll want to pick up ground flax meal rather than whole seeds.
• Because they’re so packed with fiber, the outer shell of the seeds is harder to digest and grinding them up makes it easier for your body to extract the good stuff.
• Flax seeds may also be made into oil, which you can drizzle over a salad or as the finishing touch of your dinner.

Sesame Seeds

With their mouthwatering nutty flavor, sesame seeds have been featured in cuisines around the world from Japan to the Middle East, East Africa and India. We enjoy sesame seeds as much for their health benefits as their delicious flavor.

• These delicate little seeds contain fiber, protein, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and zinc which means a dash of sesame seeds sprinkled over a savory roasted quinoa with fresh vegetables is a great way to supplement your dietary needs.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds, which come from the Salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family, have risen to prominence among the health-conscious in recent years.

• These tiny seeds pack a major dose of B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
• Although chia seeds are high in fat, they’re brimming with health linoleic acid and essential omega-3 fatty acids.
• Sprinkle them over yogurt, add them to smoothies, or use them in easy to make homemade granola with oats, nuts, dried fruits, and coconut flakes.

Pumpkin Seeds

Also known as pepita, pumpkin seeds are an incredible source of protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

• Some studies have linked eating pumpkin seeds to potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers and lowering cholesterol.
• Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic way to supplement a vegetarian or vegan diet and ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need, like baking them into a quick pumpkin seed zucchini bread or adding them to your favorite healthy lentil dish.

Seeds are an easy way to pack your meal with a powerful punch of essentials vitamins and minerals, protein, fiber, and more. Just a teaspoon or two to any meal will liven up its texture and flavor, whether you’re cooking at home, enjoying a meal service, or even getting a cheeky takeout dinner.

Image credit: Ditchthecarbs.com

The post Seeds: The New Superfood appeared first on Fresh n' Lean.

Fresh N’ Lean is the nation’s largest organic meal delivery service. Our tasty, chef-prepared cuisine is always fresh and never frozen, and we offer five convenient meal plans: Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Standard Vegan and Low-Carb Vegan. Choose Fresh N’ Lean for affordable nutrition, delivered to your doorstep. 

Most of us love to eat snacks when we are stressed or waiting for dinner to be ready.

Instead of getting full from junk food, which is often full of salt and empty calories, we can enjoy healthier snack options to keep us satisfied and avoid getting “hangry.”

Ultimately, the goal is to follow a healthier lifestyle. Here are four healthy alternatives to your favorite snacks.

If you’re looking for plant-based snack ideas, here are 10 super easy vegan snacks you can make at home or buy in the store.

1. Bake your own french fries and potato chips

Recreating a healthy version of french fries or potato chips is easier than you think. Here are some simple fries and chips recipes that you can try:

Golden Wedge French Fries

1. Thinly cut a couple potatoes into wedges
2. Put them on a cookie sheet with foil
3. Add some olive oil and sprinkle salt on top to your liking
4. Place them into the oven at 450 degrees to bake until they are golden brown

If you prefer sweet potato fries, you can follow this simple recipe.

Classic Potato Chips

1. Thinly cut the potato into rounds
2. Lightly coat in olive oil and sprinkle salt on top to your liking
3. Bake them at 450 degrees until they are brown

Crispy Kale Chips

1. Rinse the kale with cold water
2. Cut off the kale stems and cut the kale leaves into smaller pieces
3. Lightly toss them in oil and sprinkle salt to your liking
4. Bake them at 450 degrees until the edges are lightly brown (approximately 10-15 mins)

2. Go for dark instead of milk chocolate

Instead of buying a traditional milk chocolate bar, choosing dark chocolate may provide more bang for your buck. The higher the percentage of cocoa in dark chocolate may have some health benefits.

Eat dark chocolate that has 70-85% cocoa in it. Dark chocolate in small quantities (3.5 oz) provides you with 11 grams of fiber and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

See, you don’t have to give up chocolate if you don’t want too!

3. Create hearty nachos

Instead of making the traditional Mexican nachos with tortilla chips and creamy nacho cheese – you can make these Middle Eastern style nachos with whole grain pita chips:

1. Use whole grain pita chips as the base
2. Spread a hearty layer of your preferred hummus
3. Add a half cup of the following ingredients: diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion
4. Sprinkle feta cheese or vegan tofu feta cheese on top and voila – you have a healthier version of nachos.

4. Enjoy a fruit salad when you are craving sweets

We all have our sweet tooth. Sometimes the dark chocolate isn’t enough or doesn’t satisfy our taste buds. A fruit salad with your favorite fruit might hit the spot.

For a colorful, tart, and sweet combo, toss together strawberries, blueberries, melon slices, peaches, and pineapples.

You can leave your fruit salad as is, or add some dairy-free yogurt, low-fat granola, coconut shavings or raw organic honey if you want something a little extra. It is all up to you. You can never go wrong with a bowl of fruit salad to cool you down on a summer day.

We hope that you give these healthy snack alternatives a try!

Did we miss a snack that we should have mentioned? Share it with us in the comments below.

Related: Healthy foods and snacks for travel

Photo credit: Minimalist Baker, Feasting Not Fasting

The post 4 Healthy Alternatives to Your Favorite Snacks appeared first on Fresh n' Lean.

SUMMARY

Need something in between meals, and want to stay healthy? Try these nutrient-dense, easy vegan snack ideas.

Fresh N’ Lean is the nation’s largest organic meal delivery service. Our tasty, chef-prepared cuisine is always fresh and never frozen, and we offer five convenient meal plans: Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Standard Vegan and Low-Carb Vegan. Choose Fresh N’ Lean for affordable nutrition, delivered to your doorstep. 

One of the questions people most often ask when they are trying to eat healthier is what do you do for snacks?

Fresh n’ Lean provides you with healthy premade vegan meals, but here are some vegan snack ideas when you need a little something extra and do not want to reach for the chips and cookies.

10 Super Easy Vegan Snacks

Filling your day with healthy snacks is important to keep your metabolism running and your blood sugar levels stable. We’ve curated a list of nutrient-dense plant-based snack ideas that will keep you energized until your next meal.

1. Dates & Nuts

This is truly a heavenly pairing and there is so much room for variation.

Get yourself a box of dates, open each up, take out the seed, and stuff with either nuts or nut butters. My favorite pairings are dates stuffed with almonds or walnuts or peanut, almond, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed (tahini), or other types of plant-based butters.

The largest and most indulgently delicious dates are Medjool, but there are many other varieties to explore.

Dates are an incredible source of energy, fiber, and lots of vitamins and minerals.

You can also store them for a long time, especially in the fridge or freezer.

The only thing to be aware of is that dates do pack a caloric punch, which may be perfect if you’re an athlete or someone in need of calories, especially paired with the nut butter. For others, moderation is key.

Two wonderful date farms in the US include 7 Hot Dates and The Date People, who harvest their produce in early fall and can ship directly to you throughout the year. There is no match for the quality.

2. Fruit & Veggie “Toast”

Nut and seed butters are also amazing paired with other fresh fruits and vegetables, including bananas, apples, pears, celery, carrots, and anything else you love.

One of the easiest vegan snacks you can make is cutting bananas into two lengthwise and then topping with peanut butter and coconut flakes or raisins, or slicing an apple into disks and topping with almond butter and cocoa nibs. Other topping ideas include cocoa powder, fresh berries, chia seeds, hemp hearts, sesame seeds, and once again, anything your heart desires.

Japanese yam toast: The best version of non-bread toasts are sweet potatoes. All sweet potato varieties work, but by the far the best are Japanese (sometimes called “Oriental” yams) which are purple on the outside and white on the inside because they are delicious, nutritious, and retain their shape when baked. If you cannot find them at your regular grocery store, try an Asian supermarket.

How to make fruit & veggie toast:

Wash, cut in half lengthwise, and place face down on parchment paper to bake at 400F for 45 minutes or until the faces are browned but not burned. Let cool (in fact they are absolutely delicious cold out of the fridge), and then top with nut butter and jam.

They legitimately taste like cake and yet are full of antioxidants and are fat-free! Top with anything you normally put on toast: avocado, peanut butter and jam, apple butter, etc.

3. Popcorn Chickpeas

One of the best plant-based snacks when you’re on the run or for traveling is what I call “popcorn” chickpeas.

How to make popcorn chickpeas:

They are super easy to make. Simply drain a can of chickpeas (or cook from scratch for larger volume), place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover in any spices or herbs (I like paprika, turmeric, curry, dried basil, etc.) and then bake at 400F for 30 minutes or until the soft chickpeas harden. No need to add oil, as it does not need the excess fat. You can try this with other cooked beans as well, such as black bean or pinto for an easy, portable vegan snack.

4. Cinnamon-Dusted Plantains & Sweet Potatoes

Another easy and delicious vegan snack to try are cinnamon-dusted plantains or sweet potatoes.

These naturally sweet vegetables become even more so when dusted with cinnamon.

How to make cinnamon plantains:

Simply cut them up into any shape you like and then cover sparingly with cinnamon. Bake at 400F until cooked through. You can actually also do this with bananas, apples, and pears as well, but they will be mushier (still delicious!).

5. Homemade Hummus

There are many hummus “recipes” online, but in fact this is one of the easiest vegan snacks you can make at home, so it’s worth learning the basics to make your own. Chickpeas are the foundation of any hummus recipe, but you can actually use other beans as well to make various dips, and simply rotate around the different flavor combinations.

How to make your own hummus:

Generally, a simple hummus recipe is 1 can or 2 cups of chickpeas, 2 tablespoons of tahini (sesame seed paste), a clove of garlic, herbs and spices (e.g. paprika, cumin, coriander, etc.), lemon juice, and water added to create the desired consistency. Put everything in a blender or food processor and voila! It will last about 5 days in the fridge, shorter than the grocery store varieties which all contain preservatives.

With that basic recipe in mind, you can experiment with different flavor combinations. For an Indian twist, add turmeric and curry powder. For Mediterranean, add fresh or fire-roasted red pepper. For Italian, add sun-dried tomato and fresh basil. For Mexican, add black beans (on top of chickpeas or instead) and chipotle.

Depending on the season you could also try beet (fresh or cooked), spinach, carrot, sweet potato, or pumpkin. And you can also substitute tahini with any other healthy fat like pumpkin butter or sunflower seed butter or even experiment with peanut and other nut butters for a twist!

For things to dip with, there’s always crackers (Mary’s Gone Crackers are amazing and oil-free, as are Engine2’s line), but you can literally use any fresh fruit or veggies you have on hand, including raw lettuce and greens such as collard greens which make an easy and deliciously crunchy wrap with nutritional bang for your buck.

6. Sweet Potato “Boats”

Sweet potatoes are also great for stuffing, and you can try both sweet and savory varieties (softer varieties like the regular orange and yellow sweet potatoes work well as they soften more than the Japanese variety).

How to make sweet potato boats:

Choose any type of sweet potato and then bake whole on parchment-lined sheets at 400F for 45 minutes. Let cool and then pierce with a knife just to open them up, keeping the bottom part of the potato intact. Take out the insides and place in a bowl. Add the other ingredients, combine well, and “stuff” the sweet potatoes back up with the filling and place in oven for a little longer until crispy.

Some savory ideas include adding baked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, parsley, and herbs. A Mexican variation could be black or pinto beans and salsa and then topped with guacamole. An Indian version would be lentils and curry dressing and Italian might be fresh tomatoes, baked mushrooms, and pesto on top. The combinations are endless.

You can even do sweet versions! Japanese sweet potatoes in particular are so sweet that when you stuff them it’s almost like a dessert. Slice bananas and lay them inside the potato in a row, and once those are baked through, top with maple or date syrup, jam, nut butter, or anything else you fancy.

One easy way to make homemade jam is to heat up frozen berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc.) in a pot and then add maple syrup or date sugar until boiling and then turn off the stove and add chia seeds and place in mason jars. The chia seeds will expand and take on a jam-like consistency.

7. Easy Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a healthy vegan snack or breakfast idea that once again, can be modified in many different ways to suit your liking.

How to make overnight oats:

One of the most popular ways to have it is in the form of overnight oats. The basic idea is to take old-fashioned rolled oats, add in any spices (e.g. cinnamon, cardamom, cocoa powder), and then either water (for a lower-fat version) or plant milk (e.g. soy, almond, oat, etc.) and a tablespoon or so of chia seeds.

Mix it up in a mason jar and leave for a few hours or overnight until a thick mixture forms as the chia seeds expand. You can then top it with bananas, berries, or nut butter. You can also add nut butter right in the beginning for a thicker more indulgent vegan snack.

The thing that most people do not know about rolled oats is that unlike steel cut oats (which are less processed and therefore need to be cooked), rolled oats can actually be eaten “raw” (as they are already slightly cooked) if you’re in a pinch. Simply put some oats in a bowl, top with plant milk, and then bananas and peanut butter, or apples, applesauce, and cinnamon, or tahini and fresh or frozen berries.

You can even add savory ingredients like baked chickpeas with spinach which also works beautifully for steel cut oats you prepare ahead of time.

8. Frozen Mangoes

Frozen mangoes are available in almost any grocery stores, and they are an incredibly easy vegan snack especially in the summer months — simply take out of the freezer and enjoy. They truly do not need to be processed in any way, as they taste nearly like ice cream already.

If frozen fruit is too cold for you, simply boil some water and then pour into a metal bowl containing the frozen fruit, then drain and enjoy. A fast and easy way to eat healthily throughout the year. Enjoy the fruit by itself or on top of oatmeal, toast, or granola.

9. Sushi Burritos

Roasted nori sheets are easy to find, and you do not have to go to the trouble of making sushi to enjoy them (though it’s worth the time investment).

How to make vegan sushi burritos:

Simply cut up your favorite veggies (e.g. red pepper, cucumber, avocado, etc.) and wrap it inside the sheets. You can even add sweet potato mash or make an easy dressing on the side to dip into (look out for a post on easy dressings soon). If you’re short on time, simply dip into rice vinegar, tamari, or coconut aminos.

10. Rice Paper Rolls

Like roasted nori sheets, rice paper rolls (white or brown rice) are easily available and easy to work with.

How to make rice paper rolls:

Simply cut up some veggies (and even fruit like mango) and following the instructions on the package to soften the sheets, roll these up and dip in rice vinegar, tamari, or coconut aminos. You can also make a simple nut butter dressing based in peanut or almond butter with rice vinegar and coconut aminos plus water to thin it out. Some fresh cilantro also does the trick!

There you go — a few nutritious (and super easy) vegan snacks to keep you satisfied and healthy throughout the day.

Ready-Made Snacks You Can Find in the Store

Now, if even all of this seems a bit overwhelming, here are some great brands you can pick up at the grocery store to have on hand if you are feeling hungry. You can find most of these brands at Whole Foods, your local health food store, or online at Thrive Market.

• Mary’s Gone Crackers: Delicious oil-free seed-based crackers which are perfect for dipping into hummus. They are gluten-free and vegan too. The superseed collection is especially good, in particular the Seaweed & Black Sesame and Chia & Hemp. Mmm!
• Engine 2 “Plant Strong” Food Line: Offering everything from breakfast granolas, frozen burgers and burritos, tomato sauces, crispbread, and tortillas and burger buns, this company makes oil-free vegan snacking a piece of cake. Found only in Whole Foods.
• Oil-Free Hummus: A few different brands offer this popular dip in an oil-free version, including Engine2, Cedar’s, and probably a local brand you can find at your health food store. Just check the ingredients and make sure there is no added oil, including olive or canola.
• Fig Food Co: This company makes delicious organic soups, as well as pre-cooked beans that you could easily beak or eat as is. Soup flavors include: Nonna’s Minestrone, Split Pea & Potato, and Tuscan White Bean.
• Larabars: These delicious date- and nut-based bars are the ultimate life-saver as they are popular and widely available, and a relatively healthy snack for in-between meals. They are all vegan and gluten free, and contain no egg, honey, or oil like most other bars. You can also of course just grab unsalted nuts and dried fruit as well, but why would you when you can grab a Peanut Butter Chocolate Larabar instead? Other flavors include Blueberry Muffin, Banana Bread, and one of the originals, Apple Pie.
• Go Raw: This company has a great selection or quite healthy snacks including crackers, chips, and bars which are all sprouted and entirely raw. Check out their amazingly diverse set of products which make great travel snacks.
• Natierra: This company does a whole line of free-dried fruit including banana, apple, and mango slices which are an amazing product if you are traveling and cannot transport fresh fruit easily.
• Bare: These amazing oil-free these vegetable and fruit-based snacks are a great way to get some nutrition even while you may not have access to fresh produce. Given that most such products contain a ton of added oil, these are a fat-free (guilt-free!) way to enjoy a healthy snack break.
• Made in Nature Figgy Pops: Although not entirely oil-free, these snacks are like healthy desserts made of dried dates and figs. A good on-the-go snack to keep you happy between meals. A few of the delectable flavors include Nana Nut Butter Filled, Razzy Pops, Mocha Almond Nut Butter Filled. I mean, those sound almost sinful.
• Lundberg Rice Cakes: These organic crackers are the perfect thing to top with nut butter and banana, jam, or avocado and lime. They have a few different flavor profiles, but our favorites are Salt-Free Brown Rice, Cinnamon Toast, and Sesame Tamari.
• Hippeas: Cleverly crafted chickpea snacks, these are a better alternative to chips and Doritos. Although they are not healthy per se, they will satisfy any salty craving with their Sriracha or Bohemian BBQ flavors.
• Saffron Road: If you do not have time to make your own oil-free baked chickpeas, these are a good second bet. Although not oil-free, they are still a good way to get an amazing load of nutrition into an afternoon snack. Flavors include the classic Falafel and the unconventional Korean BBQ and Bombay Spice.

The post 10 Easy Vegan Snack Ideas appeared first on Fresh n' Lean.

By the time it’s 1 p.m., the midday slump hits. You feel like you’re running low on fuel, and a Starbucks run can barely help to keep you awake. While you’re at it, the temptation to grab a pastry may be high, especially on their Double Stars Day!

Before you make a reach for the sugar-loaded double fudge chocolate chip brownie, remember that your taste buds may enjoy the sensation for a moment, but your conscience might experience regret, later.

It’s okay to treat yourself every now and then, but we often make decisions based on what’s convenient. You don’t have to punish yourself with crazy exercises when you indulge, but it is important to choose healthy afternoon snacks as often as you can.

Related: Guide to meal prepping for beginners

Make these 5 healthy afternoon snacks your first resort next time you’re experiencing mid-day cravings. They’ll make a delicious addition to your snack stash for the office!

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Skip the heat and radiation by opting for a no-bake healthy afternoon snack! This one will be like music to your ears and requires no oven nor a microwave.

With 5 simple ingredients, you can make delicious peanut butter protein bites that are fulfilling and make a good source of fiber. This recipe will give you a breakdown of the steps, which will take less time than it’d take for your kids to get dressed and out the door.

YumEarth Organic Lollipops

If there’s such a thing as classy candy, it’s Yum Earth’s Hot Chili Mango Organic Lollipops. You’ll not only be hiding these away all for yourself on the top shelf, but the kids will be onboard, as well!

Organic candy has become all the buzz so that you can enjoy your favorite sweets minus the excess sugar. Now, YumEarth has become the organic candy brand in the country. You can see how quickly their shelves empty at your local Whole Foods store. Their Hot Chili Mango flavor is all the rage, and vetted and recommended by bloggers and Instagram influencers.

Vanilla Berry Yogurt Parfaits

Who says you can’t whip up a celebratory treat mid-day such as a parfait? These desserts aren’t just for birthday parties or special occasions only. After all, for all of the energy you spend listening to coworker rants or pretending to enjoy small talk with strangers, you deserve a treat!

This Vanilla Berry Yogurt Parfait recipe requires minimal ingredients, with items that you can pull from your pantry like a protein bar, berries, or chopped fruits. Not only are they as good as an afternoon snack, but you can bring them anywhere next time there’s a BBQ or pool party.

If you’re at the office and want to avoid looking high-maintenance, try using a mason jar or bowl instead of the usual fancy parfait cups.

Vegan Lettuce Wraps

Maybe your day isn’t as glamorous as a dinner at P.F. Changs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a taste of luxe as you’re running errands! The chain restaurant may have come up with the original famous lettuce wraps, but this vegetarian version of the recipe makes a good dupe!

You can easily whip up vegan lettuce wraps by slicing pieces of lettuce, and topping with them with either Trader Joe’s Beef-less Ground Beef or mashing Vegetarian Patties, to serve as its toppings. These will taste so much like the original that your new nickname just may as well be, “Sous Chef!”

Tomato Basil Chips

You’ll win over your whole team and boss with this one! In addition to meal delivery plans, Fresh n’ Lean also offers a la carte options, with an endless selection of vegan snacks to choose from to stock up for the pantry. Our Tomato Basil Chips are 100% plant-based and will keep you powering through your day, feeling energized until the very end.

With these healthy afternoon snack ideas up your sleeve, you never have to complain about going hungry come mid-day ever again. While you’re at it, win some hearts over by bringing leftovers to your next cycling sesh. Sharing is caring!

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