Shopping on Black Friday is an informal tradition in my family.  My mother would not dare compete with the crowds, but my sister and I were always up to the excitement.

I do not mind the crowded parking lots and am fairly patient in line for the bathroom.  However, I do not do well if I’m the least bit hungry.  Ever since I was a baby, I’ve been told I get “cranky” when my blood sugar starts to get low.  I can even remember specific outings, like shopping for a prom dress, when teenage meltdowns were barely saved by a good meal.

Waiting to eat until you are starving is a recipe for over eating, so bring healthy snack options with you while you shop!  Not only will it fuel your shopping spree, but it will prevent you from making poor decisions when it comes time to eat a real meal.

Apples and bananas are perfect pieces of fruit to bring in your purse while you shop.  At around 100-calories, you won’t spoil your appetite and the sugar will give you a boost in energy while walking from store to store.

You can also pair your fruits with other snacks; such as apples with many Mini Babybel  Cheese.  My favorite pairings are with Mini Babybel Light, White Cheddar and Original.  The red wax keeps the cheese from spoiling and can be eaten without your fingers touching the actual cheese, which is perfect for germs on an escalator at the mall – they make my skin crawl! This makes the Mini Babybel a must if you are prone to getting sick during this season.

Other popular snacks that are great to throw in your bag without refrigeration are almonds or other pre-made bags of dried fruit and nuts.  I like to make my own trail mix using walnuts, dried edamame, wasabi peas, raisins and almonds.  Raisins are great because typically there is no sugar added during the drying process and the edamame adds a little extra protein to an already nutritious mix, while the spicy wasabi peas force you to eat slowly.

Also, if you have crudités left over from Thanksgiving, put them in a plastic bag and bring with you.  Carrots, celery, peppers or broccoli work well when you are on-the-go, but if they are not eaten during your shopping spree, they will need to be tossed when you get home.

Lastly, protein and nut bars are great sources of energy that can easily be stored in your purse or glove box all season long.  My personal favorites are Lara Bars, ThinkThin and The Simply Bar.

What are your favorite snacking options when you’re on-the-go this holiday season?

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