The great outdoors provides us with so many opportunities to get out and explore some pretty remarkable places. We’re spoiled here in the northeast of New York, having the Adirondacks right in our backyard. If you’re like me, when I plan a day of adventuring, the question of what foods am I going to pack always runs through my head. So, this week Carly is going to share with us her favorite go-to snack, when she’s exploring Mother Nature and being active outdoors. I’m also partial to knowing it as the “emergency granola”.
Hey All! This week we are going to focus on outdoor activities. You fill in the blank, is it:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Paddle Boarding
- Fishing
- Gardening
- Walking
- Jogging / Running
Whatever your activity of choice is, i’m so thrilled you’re being active. In fact, if you are into the walking/jogging arena… I have a movement matters club that I would love to invite you into. Using Map My Run, we track and compete against group members to see who can get the most distance!
I digress… whenever I know I am going to be out of the house for a few hours I typically pack an “emergency granola”… Kella can vouch for me as this being a long standing habit of mine, because I did it in college too! What this means is, I always had a snack in my pocket just in case I got lightheaded, or felt like I needed an energy boost. Back then they were just Chewy bars, but I have since added some parameters that I like to keep and some brands that have worked for me. Here’s what I look for:
- Around 200 calories (give or take 50)
- 4+ grams of protein
- A list of ingredients that I can read
- Good taste
I love the convenience of a good granola bar, you can literally store it and eat it anywhere. Now remember, this is a SNACK series. This is not a meal replacement bar. 200 calories DOES NOT EQUAL A MEAL. These are to be used between meals or when you are feeling like you have low energy on an above adventure this summer. Here are some of the brands that I like:
- Lara (apple pie) 200 calories, 4g protein, bonus: no added sugar
- Luna (Peanut butter) 210 calories, 8g protein, 7g added sugar
- Cliff (chocolate chip) 250 calories, 9g protein, 21g added sugar
- Kashi (ripe strawberry) 120 calories, 2g protein, 10g added sugar** This is the one my daughter loves right now.
- Kashi (Chia chocolate chip) 180 calories, 3g protein,9g added sugar
- Rx Bar (Chocolate Chewy) 210 calories, 12g protein, bonus: no added sugar
- Kind Bar (Sea Salt Almond) 180 calories, 6g protein, 4g added sugar.
There are many different kinds of granola bars on the market, I could drive myself crazy trying them all, these are the ones I like for the moment. If you have questions or a specific brand you’d like my opinion on please reach out! I’d be happy to investigate with you! xoxo C.
Michella Hand 