Portable Foods
Photography: Jillian Clark
Location: THE STORE
Words & Recipe by:
Charman Driver
We’re on the move more than ever before. By spending inordinate amounts of time in transit, we don’t do our health any favors when it comes to eating. These hectic and harried times we live in call for portable foods that are nourishing and energy-giving. Choosing wisely can be the key to a healthy lifestyle.
Pretty much every fruit and vegetable you can think of is portable. Regrettably, many of us choose fast foods like, sugar-laden “energy” bars, chips, and candy that all seem to dominate the portability market. In other words, we tend to reach for processed portable foods ahead of whole ones.
May I suggest, as a general rule, skip anything that comes in a wrapper and take whole foods along for the ride. No one loves a bag of salt + vinegar potato chips more than I do, but I feel best when I choose one ingredient options (even if they’re mixed together) ahead of empty calories.
Here are ideas for wholesome and nourishing foods that will keep you energized and humming along nicely. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.
BY: NEST Favorite Portable Foods:
1. DIY Trail Mix
• Pumpkin Seeds + Almonds + Sunflower Seeds + Sea Salt + Cayenne Pepper + Garlic Powder + Onion Powder
• Goji Berries + Pistachios + Dried Blueberries + Dark Chocolate Chips
• Macadamia Nuts + Dried Mango + Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
• Cashews + Dried Blueberries + Walnuts + Peanuts + Almonds
• Popcorn + Goji Berries + Nutritional Yeast
2. Make Nourish Bites
3. Fruit
• Bananas (pair with Walnuts or Pecans)
• Apples (pair with any Cheese)
• Oranges, Tangerines, Citrus fruits.
• Grapes (try them frozen)
• Kiwi
• Strawberries (Pair With 70% or More Dark Chocolate)
• Blueberries (try frozen)
• Figs fresh or dried)
• Dragon Fruit
• Mango
• Watermelon (pair With Feta Cheese cubes)
4. Vegetables (pair with Green Dip)
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Baby Bell Peppers
• Carrots
• Cucumbers Slices
• Raw Sweet Potato Slices
• Raw Zucchini or Squash
• Celery
5. Meat
• Hard-Boiled Eggs (steam them instead of boiling for a perfect peel every time.)
• Roast Chicken or Turkey (wrap it in romaine lettuce.)
• Hard Cheeses
Tips:
1. Eat what’s in season to make choices simpler.
2. Practice portion control: Pack only what you need in small, reusable containers and insulated bag.
3. Great for kid’s snack or lunch.
4. Try freezing fruits like grapes, orange sections, and blueberries. They taste like indulgent treats as they thaw.
5. Mix your proteins (nuts, meat) and carbs (fruit, veg, grains) for sustained energy.