Here’s damning evidence of how extremely paranoid and neurotic we are: our biggest fear, living in cities where subways are the main and necessary method of transportation, is that we may get stuck down there for an extended period of time, we’ll have to fight the Pizza Rat for a slice, and we’ll never, ever get out (you never know—also, it has happened). Actually though—not that we might never emerge from the tunnel, but that, suddenly, hunger will strike and we’ll have nothing to eat… (We suppose this is also damning evidence of how much we think and talk about food.) Either way, snacks are very necessary—and to be frank, we should probably all be carrying something healthy and satisfying in our bags so we don’t just *happen* to pass by La Esquina at 4 PM and stop by for a guac and chips/fish taco “snack”. So we asked the healthiest people we know: a bunch of elite trainers who snack pretty consistently because food = fuel, which is a rationale we can totally get behind. Herein, the healthiest snacks to carry in your bag in case of a subway apocalypse or, you know, that 3 PM slump when you just need a little something something.
Alicia Napoleon
Professional Boxer; Partner, Overthrow Boxing Club
“One of my favorites to stash in my bag is a homemade protein pancake. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and full of flavor. For those who like to prep food or just simply enjoy the kitchen, the protein pancake is a quick, fun healthy snack or meal replacement.”
— Ingredients —
3 egg whites
1 scoop of protein powder in any flavor or brand
1/2 cup of steel oats
Teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of applesauce
Mix ingredients. On a greased pan, cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Taryn Toomey
Founder, The Class
“[My favorite snacks to carry with me are] Kind bars, which are convenient to grab, and perfect for quick turnarounds in between classes and meetings. I also love seaweed because it satisfies a salty craving—I probably eat too much of it! A hard boiled egg is a quick, clean source of protein, and Kombucha is very refreshing and also great for digestion.”
Mary Helen Bower
Founder, Ballet Beautiful
“Healthy snacks keep the metabolism humming and prevent us from getting too hungry and overeating. A few of my favorites include an organic apple or piece of fruit (go with what's in season!) with a handful of raw almonds or walnuts; a hard boiled egg or two with grape tomatoes; a few small pieces of organic cheddar or mozzarella cheese with whole grain crackers or raw veggies; and greek yogurt with a drizzle of dark honey and raw or unsalted nuts. For me, snacking is all about finding foods that are satisfying, healthy and easy to prepare.”
Alexandra Bonetti Perez
Founder, Bari
“I’m lucky that we carry two really great on-the-go brands, Lulitonix and Indie Fresh, at bari. Whenever I fail to plan, I know that I can grab something healthy at the studio. I also keep a stash of my favorite trail mix, Mango Goji Fire Sprouted Trail Mix from the bulk bins at Whole Foods, at the studio — it’s seriously addictive, but so healthy. And I usually have Sakara’s Watermelon Jerky for when I’m craving something sweet.”
Cindy Leos
Pilates Trainer
“Apples, oranges and bananas are my favorite on-the-go fruits that you can easily stash in your bag or office. Fruits are not only delicious and can satisfy a sweet tooth, but are packed with powerful antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can help you live longer, look better, and even prevent disease. Plus, the average adult should consume 10-12 servings of fruits and veggies. Say yes to fruit!
Raw or dry roasted nuts are also a must! Go for a variety of mixed nuts—almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and pecans are my favorite. The mix of omega 3 fatty acids, proteins, and fiber will help you feel full and suppress your appetite. I recommend snack packs or on-the-go packs, so you don’t over indulge.
Craving something with a crunch? Then you have to get IPS Egg White Chips. They come in a variety of flavors such as BBQ, cinnamon, sea salt and black pepper, and my favorite, white cheddar. Made from egg whites, they are packed with six grams of protein and come in convenient single serving bags. At only 130 calories per bag these healthy alternative chips are gluten free, contain non-gmo ingredients, and contain no artificial flavors or colors. The ultimate guilt free chip!
My go-to nutrition bar is Juice Plus Complete’s whole food based nutrition bar, Dark Chocolate + Fig. This bar is nutrient filled with 10 grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and it's vegetarian, gluten free, non-dairy, and low glycemic… plus it satisfies my chocolate cravings.”
Anna Kaiser
Founder, AKT InMotion
“I love Primal Turkey Jerky, Wonderfully Raw Tamarind Apple Crunch Brussel Bites, Go Raw Sweet Spirulina Super Chips, Wasabi World Peas, roasted chestnuts and dried seaweed. Other options that I always have on hand are green apples, hard-boiled eggs, raw almonds, and flax Mary's Gone crackers.
Usually when I want a snack, I want either sweet, salty, spicy or crunchy. I look for foods that are actually good for me AND satisfy my cravings. Because why surround yourself with unhealthy temptations when there are SO many incredible options available these days? Foods with high fiber, water and protein will help curb your craving and hold you over until your next meal. So skip the popcorn or rice cake and opt for a spirulina super chip! I LOVE discovering new healthy snacks so I can look forward to new options and not get stuck in a food rut.”
Nicole Winhoffer
Founder, NW Method
“[I love] seaweed snacks from Trader Joe’s, Auntie Chun's and Sea Snax—they’re easy and seaweed provides alkaline qualities to reset the PH balance of your body. The Pure Protein Bar is sweet and perfect for pre and post workout. They have great flavors! Think Thin bars are great because they have 20 grams of protein and great flavors. I drink a lot of water and eat apples. Pectin, which apples have a lot of, is a natural fat burner, it’s easy and a good source of glucose. Your body burns glucose first, so eating an apple pre workout gives more back to your body. And I have Ultima Replenishers for pre and post workout minerals because sweating rids our body of toxins, but also rids us of the minerals we need. Ultima has no sugar and is a good source of eight essentials to keep body balanced.”