Despite my strong desire to be a meal prep pro like fellow blogger Kristina, it’s just not something I have yet mastered. By the time my husband or I make dinner and I get lunches and snacks packed for the following day for the kids, I am often entirely too drained to pack my own. It’s in those moments that I tell myself, “This Sunday I will meal prep!” Then Sunday comes and it doesn’t happen. For this reason, my current “meal prep” involves having grab-and-go things on hand. In the morning as I am rushing out the door, the reality is that if I cannot grab it and go, I will end up spending a billion dollars at Starbucks. Give or take.
I asked around and here is a list of the ten best store bought items, according to busy moms like you! (Psssst….Don’t forget to pin this for later!)
Sabra Avocado Toast– Avocado spread and crispy whole grain toast. 190 calories.
Sargento Snack Break or P3– Cheese, nuts and dried fruit. Most are under 200 calories.
Egg Bites– I am obsessed with the Starbucks egg bites. But at almost $5, my mornings can add up fast. I found these at Costco and Target. If I need a carb to go with it, I will have an English muffin packed. Just heat for a few minutes in the microwave. Most are under 100 calories and pack about 17 grams of protein!
Salad Kits- Tons of options and they are so easy to just grab and go on those busy mornings.
Hillshire Farms Small Plates- Basically a Lunchable for adults! Meat, cheese and crackers. A solid lunch option with around 16 grams of protein.
Protein Bars- Another item with tons of options. Aim to keep these in your car, in your desk and at home so you always have them on hand. Caution there can be lots of sugar hidden so check out brands like Think Thin, Epic and Luna. Ideally, no more than 12 grams of sugar per bar.
Protein Drinks- If you often have back-to-back meetings leaving no time to eat, try keeping protein drinks on hand. Less embarrassing than chowing down on a salad or crunching on cheese and crackers. I like Premier Protein in chocolate or strawberry and Kristina loves the Slim Right Meal Replacement shakes.
Nuts– Blogger Abbie is a self-proclaimed “brand snob” when it comes to nuts. She sticks to Blue Diamond for almonds or the Walmart Great Value Praline Pecans!
Sealed packs of carrots with ranch/hummus– Awesome option for kids lunches or parents lunches
Chicken Breast Burrito Bowl- I purchase these at Costco as a great lunch option when you’ll have access to a microwave.
What are some of your favorite grab and go items?
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Read more of Stephanie’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
