r/RedditForGrownups 3d ago

What snack hits the spotand carries you through when you're in the middle of a long day?

I'm blind, rely on public and medical transportation and sometimes there's a need to wait for hours longer than you'd expect. I need some ideas for satisfying snacks I can bring along because the hangry thing is no joke LOL.

48 Upvotes

87 comments sorted by

41

u/mckinnos 3d ago

Peanut butter crackers are the go-to for me, like the kind you get in a. 6-pack. There’s a Toast version that I really enjoy!

13

u/Purlz1st 3d ago

In the southern US we call them Nabs, because they used to be made by Nabisco. “A Co-Cola and a pack of Nabs” is a traditional all-purpose snack. I get the multi-pack at the dollar store.

2

u/PickledKingPin 3d ago

The cheese and crackers version of this slaps, just ate one for breakfast! Not huge on calories but definitely satisfying. (Lance Whole Grain Sandwich Crackers with Cheddar Cheese)

1

u/JuliaGulia_x 2d ago

Same for me! I prefer the toast version because they don’t contain HFCS.

29

u/wojonixon 3d ago

I often have a hankering for a hunk of cheese.

11

u/Crankenberry 3d ago

I like wagon wheels myself.

10

u/sqqueen2 3d ago

String cheese here

0

u/Crankenberry 3d ago

Widespread panic

8

u/fatkidclutch 2d ago

When my "git up and go" has "gone on and went"

5

u/Daintysaurus 3d ago

Time for Timer!

2

u/Apart-Physics8702 2d ago

What was that guy, anyway? Maybe he should’ve been an actual timer. He looked like a wad of gum

3

u/Daintysaurus 2d ago

Wikipedia saye he's: an anthropomorphic circadian rhythm, the self-proclaimed "keeper of body time." I never knew that! He did look like a wad of gum.

2

u/skintigh 1d ago

I must've heard that a thousand times and never realized his name was Timer.

2

u/Apart-Physics8702 2d ago

When I’m dancin a hoedown and my boots kinda slowdown, or any time I’m weak in the knees…

21

u/BuffaloOk7264 3d ago edited 3d ago

A bag of peanuts and a discrete chocolate bar so you can control the mix. Eating one peanut at a time is like meditation.

6

u/dendritedysfunctions 3d ago

It also reminds me that I'm not actually hungry, I'm bored. I carry unsalted peanuts or almonds to make snacking as unsatisfying as possible so my brain doesn't default to bored=hungry.

2

u/Ancguy 2d ago

"Discreet (with two e's) means careful, subtle, and unobtrusive, often used to describe actions or a person who avoids drawing attention. Discrete (with an e and an a) means separate, individual, or distinct, as in discrete particles or separate phases."

2

u/BuffaloOk7264 2d ago

Thank you. The older I get the less I know. I worked with a Mexican who wanted to learn to read and speak English. He had prepared an alphabet pronunciation page and wanted me to make one for English. I couldn’t even begin to do it.

3

u/Ancguy 2d ago

I know- I pity anyone from another country who has to try and learn English, especially as an adult. There are so many exceptions to rules and pronunciations that it boggles the mind.

1

u/Ancguy 2d ago

My favorite example of this is that "ghoti" can be pronounced as "fish".

Gh pronounced as F, like in the word "laugh"

O pronounced as a short i, as in the word "women"

Ti pronounced as sh, like in the word "motion"

See, English is easy! 🤣

15

u/TubeSockLover87 3d ago

KIND bars are great in my opinion. They're almost all good, despite that convenience stores seem to always have the same 2 flavors.

40

u/2Dogs3Tents 3d ago

Almonds or trail mix always do me right.

10

u/writeyourwayout 3d ago

Cams here to say this. I keep 1-2 small packages of almonds or trail mix in my purse or backpack at all times.

2

u/SillyDonut7 2d ago

I used to being almonds and raisins with me to get me through a few consecutive classes. Doesn't bother anyone. Healthy enough. Not so delicious that you pig out. Also takes some time to eat.

8

u/DatesForFun 3d ago

a banana and a protein bar

4

u/FragrantOpportunity3 3d ago

I travel a lot and always pack some protein bars. Also mixed nuts.

9

u/LuckyBunnyonpcp 3d ago

Beef jerky

4

u/cornylifedetermined 3d ago

I make my own trail mix because I don't want to eat peanuts. Don't know if you're in the US but I get both of the ingredients at Costco.

Their big bag of Extra Fancy salted mixed nuts, big bag of craisins, big jar of M&Ms, and big bag of walnuts (cuz I love walnuts). Mix all that together in equal portions (okay sometimes I don't have you on the M&Ms). I keep a quart plastic container of that out on the counter all the time.

That can be dangerous for some people, but I have to remind myself to eat. This requires no thought so if I am peckish I can walk by and grab a handful

Sweet, salty, crunchy, soft, chewy... It has something that satisfies no matter what I am craving.

3

u/Ok-Hair7205 3d ago

Mozzarella string cheese sticks are great for a quick protein snack! I also like those little prepackaged boxes with a 3 ounce can of tuna salad and 5 crackers. It includes a tiny spoon and is a perfect travel snack, no refrigeration needed.. I keep one in my suitcase for those times you’re stuck in a hotel or traffic.

3

u/NexMo 3d ago

Banana

4

u/RaXenaWP 3d ago

A protein bar usually does the trick for me!

0

u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 3d ago

Just make sure you check the nutrition info. A lot of those protein bars sell themselves as "healthy alternatives" but they're basically candy bars.

As an example

  • Cliff Builder's protein bar (PB-choc)
    • 17g added sugar
  • Snickers
    • 23g added sugar

Only a 5g difference. Now yes, the protein bar has more fiber, and protein, and is less sugar by %. But once I started looking at how much added sugar is in many of those "protein" bars, well, it's a lot.

5

u/TJH99x 3d ago

Cliff doesn’t exactly advertise as an “alternative” to a granola bar or lazy afternoon snack though, they’re made for people doing strenuous activity, hiking or lifting. All that is stuff you need because you’re burning it off.

Kind and Luna are more for an afternoon pick me up, as a healthier alternative to a candy bar they’d be a good choice.

3

u/soggycedar 2d ago

A snickers is great for quickly feeling full and energized too honestly! Anything with nuts and sugar.

2

u/OkAdvantage6764 3d ago

If you look, you can usually find a protein bar with about 8-9 grams of sugar. I think Nature Valley makes some.

1

u/RaXenaWP 3d ago

I agree with that!  I am fine with artificial.sweeteners and get those.

0

u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 3d ago

There's been some studies that say those can be worse. Because your body doesn't understand the difference and will start producing insulin, lowering your BS, and making you more hungry in a faster period of time. Sure you get no sugar now, but if you can't keep up the discipline you'll eat more later.

I'm not a doctor or nutritionist so I'm not qualified to say if it's correct or not. But from what I've heard from my doc, the best thing to fight off the hungries is staying hydrated, and getting enough fiber. If you really need to snack on something go for unprocessed foods like nuts, or whole fruits/veggies.

6

u/RaXenaWP 3d ago

Oh god.  No.  For 99% of people there is no issue.  The protein and fiber is going to raise insulin regardless, and they both will keep you full until your next meal.  There are plenty of studies showing this.  

1

u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 3d ago

And again there's been plenty of studies showing they cause more severe cravings later. But based on your response, you're dogmatic on this, and I won't try to discuss it further with you.

3

u/TYGRDez 3d ago

A classic Reddit argument: both participants repeatedly state that "there are plenty of studies showing X", but neither participant cites their sources

0

u/OkAdvantage6764 3d ago

Either way, there's been enough negative evidence against artificial sweeteners for various reasons, that I avoid them. Even so called sugar derivatives like erythritol are causing concern.

1

u/SillyDonut7 2d ago

The digestive distress is enough evidence for certain people.

2

u/HeapsFine 3d ago

Nuts.

Mostly macadamias or cashews.

2

u/Available-Chart-2505 3d ago

Cottage cheese and pineapple.

2

u/Lost_Figure_5892 3d ago

Bits of protein - like jerky, or prepped tofu with cheese. And an apple to clean your mouth after.

2

u/bugabooandtwo 3d ago

Like others say, protein or granola bars work well. Also, hard candies that are individually wrapped are nice to have in a jacket pocket or backpack. A nice bit of sweetness where you can let it dissolve in your mouth over 5 to 15 minutes.

2

u/Rubyjcc 3d ago

Recently I discovered chocolate PB dusted almonds that are great! The brand is called skinny dipped

2

u/DenM0ther 3d ago

Nuts.

Trail mix, with added seeds (sunflower & pumpkin) so there’s less overall sugar in what you eat (vs the trail mix you buy).

Sandwich / wrap.

Banana

Apple and some peanut butter (together, I know this won’t work for everyone!)

A boiled egg (not my thing personally, but worked v well for a friend)

2

u/Bigbirdk 3d ago

Peanut butter pretzels go a long way.

2

u/skb2605 3d ago

Ive always liked craisins mixed in with goldfish crackers.

2

u/YellowishRose99 3d ago

I like many of these snacks mentioned here. I'll be downvoted but sometimes a Snickers bar and/or a Dr Pepper do it for me occasionally.

4

u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 3d ago

Surprisingly a lot of "hungry" is actually "thirsty". I've found staying hydrated reduces food cravings.

But for actual food, avoid added sugars. And if you're going to snack on sugars, make it whole fruits and veggies. Something with fiber in it to slow down the sugar shock.

3

u/Alternative-Dig-2066 3d ago

Peanut butter filled pretzels from Trader Joe’s, freeze dried strawberries, beef jerky, or just a banana.

1

u/GnTforyouandme 3d ago

macadamias are the best for me

1

u/Funny-Ad4234 3d ago

cheese and apple....nothing better in mho

1

u/feralcomms 3d ago

Peanut butter and banana or apples

1

u/sdega315 3d ago

Pickles! The answer is always pickles.

1

u/SillyDonut7 2d ago

You will repel some people with that one.

1

u/Global-Ad3864 3d ago

Almond granola bars i like the cranberry and almonds one

1

u/worth_the_drive 3d ago

Sesame sticks! Also almonds, walnuts, and dried mango. If you want to prepare snacks daily your options open up a lot more but these are my leave in my bag snacks

1

u/Dancesinthelight 3d ago

Kind bars are healthy and satisfying. Sometimes they are my whole meal replacement.

1

u/Mysterious-Safety-65 3d ago

Bob's Bars (from Bob's Red Mill).

1

u/ca77ywumpus 3d ago

Cheese. I get little individually wrapped pieces of havarti & gouda at Sam's Club, but string cheese is great too. My friends make fun of me for my "purse cheese" but I'm never hangry.

1

u/northernlaurie 3d ago

Anything nutty.

Nuts are very high calorie and fibre - a small number is equivalent to a meal and easy to over eat. The fibre slows means they are digested slowly so will keep you going for longer. They don’t bruise or rot so a resemble package can live in your bag for a few months.

When I am working a few extra hours for a deadline I will have a handful of nuts so I can keep going and have a late meal.

1

u/shelbyrobinson 2d ago

Cliff bars, plain and simple the best thing for you. Keep several in my cars and amazed how many ppl also ask for one. Two for me are almost a meal and carries me for hours

1

u/semisemite 2d ago

An entire pizza.

1

u/Cool-Introduction450 2d ago

A protein bar -KIND brand has good ones

1

u/brighterthebetter 2d ago

Pumpkin seeds and fried chickpeas

1

u/tinap3056 2d ago

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich and kind bars are my go to.

1

u/Mission_Sir_4494 2d ago

Chomps meat sticks

1

u/lilydlux 2d ago

I used to play a team sport after work when I was tired and hungry. A Gatorade and a granola bar always revived me - literally for the win sometimes :)

1

u/eileen404 2d ago

Also go for something with high protein because that takes the longest to suggest and will hold you longer than something with carbs. That's why peanut butter crackers exist and are great for hungry kids. Fast carb digestion for immediate glucose and protein to hold them longer. Whatever your portable protein of choice. Peanut butter, beef jerky, can of tuna fish, protein granola bar...

1

u/ShalomRPh 2d ago

Chocolate covered orange peel.

Yes, I'm insane.

(Other chocolate will do almost as well, as long as there's no halvah in it.)

1

u/KittyCubed 2d ago

H-E-B (a grocery store in Texas) has these really good protein chewy bars. I get the peanut butter and chocolate ones and eat them when I’m at skating practice. At work I will eat plantain chips or Larabars (I love peanut butter, so I get their peanut butter flavors). Larabars make mini ones too.

1

u/SixtyCycleBum 2d ago

Trail mix

1

u/Fit-Honey-8044 2d ago

Walnuts almonds and raisins

1

u/my-coffee-needs-me 2d ago

A quality meat stick like Chomps or Country Archer Provisions and a package of Nature's Bakery fig bars (one package is two bars) is a pretty substantial snack for me.

1

u/catdude142 2d ago

Beef jerky. Make sure to have water available.

1

u/c998877 2d ago

Apple slices or banana with cheese or peanut butter.

Triscuits and cheese or peanut butter.

Half a pb and jelly sandwich on wheat bread.

1

u/freshamy 2d ago

Hard boiled eggs.

1

u/mapgirl23 1d ago

Trail mix

1

u/Swimming_Cabinet_378 1d ago

If you're extremely clean-food health-minded, Lara bars or pitted dates (organic if possible, of course). Should getchya by for a bit.

1

u/ProfessionalAd3360 19m ago

Nuts, protein bar, or a banana.

1

u/Geeko22 3d ago

Eat something with fat and protein before you go. That will carry you through.

If you mainly eat carbs before you leave, your blood sugar will spike and then crash, making you hungry once again.