Even though Black Friday was a few weeks ago, let’s be honest – your holiday shopping is not finished yet. If you’re like me, you’ve barely begun. But once I begin shopping, I typically don’t stop until my checklist is complete (this typically takes place in one day)!

Since my list of recipients expands each year, my holiday shopping day is long – very long. Holiday shopping is hard work, at least that’s what I tell my husband! You could walk several miles in just one power-shopping day. I’m not sure about you, but when my blood sugar drops and stomach starts to growl nothing in the world except food will do. No, not even shopping for hours.

I will typically pencil in 30-45 minutes for lunch, but in between breakfast and lunch and then lunch and dinner, I always stock my purse full with healthy, energizing snacks.

Here are 3 snacks to pack for your holiday-shopping adventures:

1. Trail Mix. It’s very easy to to mix up a batch on your own and throw a portion of it into your purse. Some of my favorite trail-mix items to include are: whole, raw nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, filberts, pistachios and macadamias), raisins (brown or yellow) and shredded coconut. You can keep your trail mix plain or you can shake it up with some sea salt or cinnamon.
2. A La Carte. We always order a la carte when out to eat, so why not try it with your snacking? Make this super simple for yourself. Throw the following items in your purse in less than 2 minutes: mini package of baby carrots, a couple Mini Babybels (I recommend the Mini Babybel Light and the Mini Babybel Cheddar), an piece of fruit and some crackers.
3. A Hearty Snack. If you have a little more time and you like to be prepared when on-the-go, you could always make things up and put them in small containers in a large purse (be honest -> you know your purse is large enough to host a 5-course meal)! Here are some things that can be found in my large purse:

• 2 rice cakes lathered with The Laughing Cow Light Garlic and Herb
• ½ cup extra lean turkey
• ½ c Greek Yogurt
• Pre-cooked and steamed veggies
• A little of each from snack ideas #1 and #2 above

Holiday shopping is serious business and I don’t want to have to stop for anything! But no matter what, I will never compromise eating well, keeping my energy high and staying healthy to enjoy the entire holiday season.

I’m always looking for new things to carry along with me. What do you bring when you are out holiday shopping, or out for a long period of time in general?

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