I like to keep healthy (or “healthier”) options in mind for when I’m on the run and hungry. I try to eat pretty low-carb and I try to get as many raw low-carb fruits and vegetables as I can. I aim for nutrition from beneficial foods. I want food that is going to make me feel good and will fill me up.
I would rather feel good after eating than to eat something tasty that will make me feel like crap afterwards. So I am for well-being over taste bud pleasure myself.
As you can imagine, this can be like hunting for Bigfoot in most convenience stores. Of course there is the obvious, some stores have salads, apples, cheese sticks, brewed teas, and nuts. Unfortunately the “fresh” fruits and vegetables are often pricey and have seen better days, looking like an escapee from a science lab. Nuts are low carb, but a very small amount packs a lot of calories.
Browse the refrigerated section and see if you can find hummus. If they have it, it may be in plastic containers or tubes. Hummus is tasty, nutritious, full of fiber, and can be eaten with celery sticks or put on a salad. Paying 3 bucks for celery or salad might make you wince, but 4 bucks for celery with some filling hummus won’t hurt as bad.
Check out the bean dip. Read the label and pay attention to the serving size. You might be surprised to find it’s low-calorie, low-carb, and has a couple grams of fiber. Check out the nutrition information for this popular bean dip.
Another thing I like to do is to frequent convenience stores that offer a variety of fresh hot dog toppings. Some stores offer a variety of peppers, sauerkraut, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and more. At the store I frequent, I use one of their nacho containers for my creation. I skip the bun and cut up a hot dog or sausage. Then I smother it with the fresh toppings. It ends up like an interesting salad. If they have chili, I’ll sometimes add that too. It may not be the healthiest thing on the planet, but it’s better than the chips, pastries, and candy bars that are tempting me while my tummy is grumbling.
What do you do when you find yourself in a convenience store while your hungry?
