Whether it’s in the car, at the office, at school or at home, being armed with healthy, gluten-free snacks will keep you out of trouble when hunger strikes. Here’s a list of quick and easy ideas:
Snacks
Being armed with snacks will keep you from falling back on gluten-containing foods during times of hunger. We suggest stocking two key places with snacks: (1) the car, and (2) the office/school. Of course you can always carry snacks in a purse or briefcase for travel (See Travel: Packing Meals & Snacks).
In the car: Choose foods that don’t require refrigeration, and think about creating your own “emergency food kit”. You can keep a grocery bag in the backseat with a few options that you can reach for if you find yourself driving to meetings or stuck in a traffic jam. Some snacks to consider for the car:
- Mixed raw nuts – almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cashews, etc.
- Dried Fruit – dried apples, banana chips, mango, pineapple, raisins
- Snack bars
- Jerky
In the office: If you have a refrigeration unit in your office you can stock it once a week on Monday mornings with gluten-free foods for the week. This will help when a co-worker brings in the doughnuts or bagels! If you don’t have a fridge at work, consider a small cooler that you can keep under your desk or purchasing a small fridge – it will be an investment up front but can save you money spent on eating out in the long term. Some snacks to consider at the office:
- Slices of turkey or chicken
- Boiled eggs and carrot sticks
- Rice cakes and avocado
- Protein or vegetable juices
Prepared Foods
Having foods that are already made make living gluten-free less stressful, especially for those with a busy schedule and a family. Of course, it’s a good idea to keep prepared gluten-free foods at home, but some other places to also stock prepared gluten-free foods include: family members or friend’s homes that you visit frequently, if your kids go to a daycare or a friend’s house after school, and the office. Some ideas to consider:
- Frozen burritos
- Frozen pizza
- Mac & cheese
- Canned or boxed soups
- Instant brown rice
Convenience Foods
Going on a road trip? It’s good to know what the safest gluten-free options are when you start navigating the confusing food aisles of a gas station or convenience store. We suggest always carrying a few instant soups in the car that you can add hot water to inside a gas station in the coffee/tea area. Meanwhile, don’t despair if you find yourself starving and at a gas station, here are foods to reach for:
- Sunflower seeds or mixed nuts (check the label)
- String cheese
- Boiled egg
- Pickles
- Jerky (check the label)
- Fruit – banana, apple, orange
- V8 Juice
- Snack bars