Fast Food for the Prude

I know what you're thinking....it sounds contradictory, but quick healthy food doesn't have to be an oxymoron.

As a very busy, working, homeschooling, blogging, soccer mom of 3, I have come up with a few snacks and meals on the go. Regardless of what you do, or where you're at, sometimes you have to find something convenient, and quick, to eat, and that doesn't mean giving up prudence.

Below I will list few of my favorite at and around home quick, gluten free, and otherwise healthy snack and meal ideas. Please visit Food Prude Faves on my blog to view specific brand and purchasing information through Amazon, doing so helps support the person putting the time into these blogs.

Please Note: All of the below are suitable for children and adults alike, ages 3 and up:

• My children call my Sequoia, 'The Rolling Pantry', and rightfully so, because I always keep an emergency stash of raw almonds and gluten free pretzels in my center console, for when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

• I keep 3 key staples in my garage fridge at all times for those 'running out the door, really should take snacks' moments. 

1. Bottled Water
2. Greens to Go, or Acai Energy 
3. String Mozzarella Cheese, and/or TillaMoo Colby Jack Cheese Squares
4. BECAUSE: A bottle of water + Greens to Go or Acai mixed in, + Almonds + a stick of String Mozzarella Cheese = a well rounded and quick snack.

• Protein shake of your choice (my favorites are Greens Protein 8 in 1, which is hypoallergenic, gluten and dairy free, and Biochem's Greens & Whey, and Greens First) + Banana + handful of nuts and/or seeds, like hulled sunflower seeds, (unroasted, and unsalted of course).

• 2-3 slices of Deli meat (Hormel Natural Choice Rotisserie Style Chicken Breast, and Applegate Farms Organic Chicken & Turkey are my favorites) + an apple dipped in Almond butter or Nutella Hazelut spread.
 

Keep in mind that all snacks and meals should be well rounded (lean protein + carb + good fat), to maintain blood sugar levels, steady metabolism, and to ensure maximum nutrition.

Yummy Yogurt

A healthy meal plan will include several small meals throughout the day, which will aid in weight loss and blood sugar maintenance. Plan to eat a well rounded (protein + carb + good fat) meal every 2-3 hours.

This is a quick and easy, high protein and well rounded snack/meal. Complete with good fat (walnuts), valuable carbs (apple), and lean protein (yogurt).

1/4 c. organic plain low fat yogurt
3/4 c. organic vanilla low fat yogurt
1 green apple cubed
handful of small walnut pieces

Food Prude Facts:
Organic, Low Fat Yogurt is high in protein and good bacteria (probiotics) which are essential to a healthy gut, calcium, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium and low in fat, sugar and calories. (Best when plain and vanilla are mixed, so you get the sweet flavor of vanilla, but with a reduced sugar content!)

Apples are known as a cleansing food, great source of fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin C. Green apples are higher in C than red. Apples are best raw and unpeeled, cooking them destroys 70% of their disease fighting flavonoids which are contained in and near the skin.

Walnuts are a good fat, high in Omega 3, which works to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). Walnuts, in particular, have significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids as compared to other nuts. They are also high in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and antioxidants such as vitamin E.

Super Salad

Cube your favorite type of Tomato, toss with Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil & Basil, and enjoy immediately.  Even my 8 yr. old loves it.


Food Prude Facts
It's Gluten Free and full of vitamins. Tomatoes are one of the healthiest and most beneficial of all fruits and vegetables. Their natural anti-oxidant, Lycopene, is known for staving off cancers and reducing the risk of macular degeneration. Studies are leading scientists to believe that Tomatoes may also reduce the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol, among it's long list of benefits.

Mixing with Olive Oil increases your bodies absorption of the Lycopene, and, because Olive Oil is a 'good fat' it reduces your LDL (bad cholesterol), and increases your HDL (good cholesterol). Olive Oil is also loaded with cancer fighting antioxidants, prevents gallstones, and soothes ulcers.