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STARBUCKS COPYCAT PROTEIN BOX!

starbucks protein box

The Starbucks Protein Boxes are convenient and easy meal options that you can buy and take on-the-go.

They often have over 20 grams of protein to help keep you satisfied on your busy day, but their high protein comes at a high cost. I am a huge fan of Starbucks, but I must admit, I cannot afford to eat or drink there daily!

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to mimic a Starbucks protein box at home!

This copycat box is convenient, tasty, and best of all, EASY! Snack boxes are great because they offer many different flavors and textures in a fun delivery, and they also offer a full range of nutrient groups (protein, fiber, fruits, vitamins, etc.). They are perfect for young eaters who love the novelty of a snack box, as well as adults who enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of a high protein lunch!

For this particular snack box, the ingredients are:

  • • Sliced cheese, cheese stick or a Babybel
  • • Apple or other fruit
  • • Pita bread or other whole grain crackers
  • • 2 hard-boiled eggs
  • • 2 Tbsp. peanut butter

That’s it! Pretty simple, and you likely already have most of the ingredients.

You could also swap out the apple for sliced peppers and carrots, the eggs for nuts, the pita for a whole grain cereal and the cheese for chopped chicken or tofu. The simple dividers of the box means you can combine essentially anything! If you don’t have a divided lunch container like this, you can also just use a series of small Tupperware. There will be more dishes to wash, but you still get to enjoy a healthy assortment of snacks. What would you put in your box? Let us know in the comments!

Blog post written by Trainer, Sarah Oliver

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

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Healthy Snacks While Traveling

healthy travel snacks

The Holiday season is closing in, which means airplanes, long drives or perhaps even vacationing where the weather is warmer.

No matter where you’re going, you can’t escape the literally sugar-coated temptations that surround you at every rest stop and gas station. When you’re traveling, it’s easy to go overboard on the processed junk simply out of desperation.

Check out these tips to ward off unhealthy snacking, and to help you practice healthier habits!

  1. Rather than stopping at the gas station for food, head to the grocery store. The extra time it takes will be far worth it, especially since you won’t be left feeling bloated or tired like you would from candy or chips. Pick up carrots and hummus, nuts, fruit, or even a salad from the salad bar for a more nourishing option.
  2. Don’t ignore your hunger in the attempt to “save” your calories. You may be driving home to a big dinner, but if you don’t regulate your blood sugar during the drive, you’re far more likely to overeat when you finally do sit down to the table. Even an apple and a cheese stick mid-afternoon will help you enjoy your dinner without regret.
  3. Drink lots of water. Especially if you’re flying! It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday craziness and forget to drink, but water is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Not only will it help prevent your skin from drying out on the dry airplanes, it wards of unnecessary hunger, and may even help prevent jet lag. So don’t forget your reusable water bottle!

Options for travel-friendly perishable foods:

  • Vegetables like carrots and broccoli
  • Hard boiled eggs (pre peeled!)
  • Pre-cooked roasted sweet potatoes
  • Meats like shrimp, chicken or beef pre-cut into strips
  • Single serving packs of guacamole
  • Slices of cheeses
  • Pre-made salad (yes, you can get this through security with dressing on!)

Options for travel-friendly “no fridge” necessary foods:

  • Bars like RXBAR, Larabars, or Square Bars
  • Nuts and seeds (or pre-made trail mixes)
  • Dried or freeze-dried fruit (dried mango or apple chips)
  • Individual packets of almond butter or peanut butter
  • Tunafish (in a pouch, not a can!)
  • Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, avocados or oranges

No matter where you go this holiday season, bring along a few of your favorite healthy snacks. I promise, it’ll make the trip a lot easier!

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