Low-Carb Snacking On the Go

On Thursdays I do a marathon shopping trip. I hit about 14 stores within 5-6 hours time. It's a grind and yes... it IS work (I'm not a shopaholic). Anyhow, I typically skip lunch due to time constraints (not recommended.) So at about 1 PM, I am ready to raid any vending machine I can find. Of course vending machines prey on us hungry, low-blood sugar types with their plethora of sugary options. Potato chips, cookies, candy bars, licorice (my weakness)and sodas seem to be the only offerings I can find.

What's a girl to do? I buy the only low-carb option in the machine - a not so healthy Slim-Jim type sausage snack. Next time, I'll be better prepared. So what are some good options for On the Go Low Carb Snacks? Here's my list:

1. CHEESE - 0 g Carbs.
String Cheese is an easy one and usually easy to find and most convenience stores. Or just grab some slices from home to go.

2. NUTS - 6-10 g Carbs.
Nuts don't require refrigeration so they are a logical choice for backpackers and shopping marathoners like myself. Just watch the intake amount. Nuts also pack a punch in the calorie department.

3. VEGGIE CHIPS (Dehydrated) 18 g Carbs
Maybe you've seen these at healthfood stores? They are sold in the bulk section at Sprouts, Whole Foods, etc. They rank a bit higher in the carb department so don't eat more than a 1/2 cup or so.

4. PORK RINDS - 0 g Carbs
Not exactly my favorite snack but loads of people like them. They are fairly low calorie and packable.

5. BEEF JERKY - 2 g Carbs
Expensive but tasty. You can make your own if you own a dehydrator but I like the store bought kind better.

6. TUNA SALAD ON CUCUMBER SLICES - 2 g Carbs
Make your own or buy the little cans of pre-made tuna salad. Cucumbers travel well and don't need refrigeration if you plan to eat them within 4 hours or so. If you make your own tuna salad - it must be refrigerated.

7. EDAMAME - 15 g Carbs
I can remember eating fresh soybeans right out of the fields behind our house as a kid - and now, they are a trendy treat. Buy the frozen kind and let them thaw while you are on the go. Don't forget a bit of salt (if you like them that way.)

8. RAW VEGGIES AND DIP - 5-10 g Carbs
This is an easy treat to find at most grocery or convenience stores, but you will overpay. Make them at home and just pick up a little packet of dressing for dip while you are on the road.

9. HARD BOILED EGG - 0 g Carbs
An old-fashioned, inexpensive and easily portable snack. Peel at home as it can get messy on the road. An added plus - eggs are so cheap - this is a 15 cent snack at the most. Again bring some salt and pepper packets for optimal enjoyment. Or try egg salad on cucumbers instead of the tuna salad.

10. PLAIN FULL FAT GREEK YOGURT OR FULL FAT COTTAGE CHEESE - 4 g Carbs
Okay, I lumped these two together as I wanted a top ten list. These are both easily portable snacks (must be refrigerated or on ice) and they are easy to find at most grocery stores for a grab and go snack. Always buy the full fat versions as the others typically have thickeners (carbs) added to enhance the texture and taste. Avoid the flavored yogurts as this adds 20+ grams of sugar to your snack.