Always on the go? Use these healthy snacks for busy days to help you gain some energy and stay fueled while you're running around. Great for busy moms, these easy snacks are a blend of store-bought options, grab-and-go snacks, and high-protein snack recipes.
Ever run out the door while grabbing a half-eaten granola bar off your toddlers' plate and then question why you're sluggish? Yah... me either.
When you’re a tired mom it’s easy to neglect your own nutrition to focus on making sure your kiddos are filled up. These healthy snacks for busy days help you flip the switch on that.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, these snacks are ones I use myself and with my clients in the SMASH workout program.
In this roundup of healthy snacks, you'll find something for every type of day. From packaged snack bars to homemade protein snacks, or throw-together treats.
Quick Notes
Allergy-friendly: All of the busy mom snacks are dairy-free and gluten-free.
High in protein: These snacks are high in protein so that you actually stay fueled on the go. Learn more about how to increase your daily protein intake.
Easy: The protein snack recipes are all super simple to whip up and keep in the fridge or freezer to grab when you need them.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, these snacks are ones I use myself and with my clients. All of them are:
Healthy Snacks For Busy Days
Below are the best healthy snacks for busy moms. They’re broken down into groups in order to make it a bit easier for you.
My advice is to pick 1-2 to try, stock up on, and then swap them out. Once you have 8-10 snacks you love, just rotate through until you’re sick of them.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, keep it simple.
Store-Bought Packaged Snacks
I like to have a handful of these in the cupboards for days that it is just not happening. Though there are some great healthy snacks for busy mamas on this list, it gets pricey always purchasing them!
- Lara bars: not crazy high in protein (they do have a protein one though) but easy and yummy.
- RX bars: my favorite quick snack because there are so few ingredients.
- Chomps jerky sticks: lots of flavors and great for busy days
- Midday squares: these taste like you’re eating fudge.
Healthy Make Ahead (fridge) Snacks
These high-protein snacks for busy days are ones you can make the night or a few days before, pop them in the fridge, and then having something when you need to grab and go.
Stock Your Freezer Healthy Snacks
These snack ideas can all be frozen for maximum meal prep. They’re amazing to grab out of the freezer, let thaw briefly, and pop into your mouth. They’re great paired with a fruit or veggie for a bigger snack.
Whip Together Snacks
Throw-together snack recipes are the ones you can make in under 5 minutes at home and shove into your mouth in another five minutes.
Some are grab-and-go or portable and others require a spoon.
- Chocolate sticky pudding
- Yogurt parfait (either with Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt + collagen powder)
- A few eggs (hard-boiled eggs if you're out the door) + fruit
- Iced coffee protein shake
- Chocolate banana pudding
- Almond flour crackers, dairy-free cream cheese & deli meat
- Strawberry protein shake
- Edible brownie batter
- Tuna salad in avocado
Frequently Asked Questions
The best snacks for busy moms are ones that are either already made or that can be whipped up in a pinch. To keep moms full and boost their energy, snacks should be protein-based. Healthy recipes like protein overnight oats, homemade protein bars, or hardboiled eggs and fruit are great options.
Moms need protein and healthy fats for energy and to stay on top of their fitness goals. Not to mention staying full. The best snacks for busy moms are ones that contain a base of at least 10 grams of protein and a blend of healthy fats like nuts or avocado. Focus on protein first and then add in fruit, veggies, fats, and extras around that.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Emma says
I absolutely loved this article on healthy snack ideas for busy moms! As a I'm always looking for quick and nutritious snacks I can throw together without much fuss. I've already tried a few of the recipes mentioned. The Espresso Overnight Oats were a definite morning winner!In the afternoon when I needed an energy boost, the Iced Coffee Protein Shake hit the spot. And honestly, I could eat the entire batch of Peanut Butter Protein Fudge in one sitting! Can't wait to try more recipes from this list!
fitasamamabear says
Right? Anything quick is a mom necessity lol shat coffee shake is wicked.