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My 6 Favorite Over-the-Counter Health Foods

By Andrea Moss ecomii.com
February 16, 2009
File under: Healthy Eating, Meal Planning, Snacks

avacado.jpg

As a holistic health counselor, I am always trying to pre-pack my lunches or snacks when I know I’ll be on-the-go. It’s always healthier and generally cheaper than trying to find nutritious options in a local deli or grocery store.

But like most people, I’ll often find myself out and about without my pre-packed snacks by my side. And that’s when I turn to my go-to, tried-and-tested, over-the-counter health food products!

Here are some of my favorite foods that I grab when I find myself hungry and far from home:

1. Avocados: Avocados are filling, nutritious, and delicious. They have monounsaturated fat (the good kind) that actually helps lower cholesterol. And they also contain beta-sitosterol, a natural substance shown to significantly lower blood cholesterol levels.

I like to halve them and spread their buttery flesh on crackers or sandwiches, chop some into my salad, or simply slice them and place on a plate with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt.

2. Trail mix: Generally available at almost any bodega, trail mix has been a life saver for me many times. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it can keep you satiated for hours. Be sure to pick up the “raw” unroasted kind with no sugar added.

3. Coconut water: When I’m craving a cool, sweet beverage and want a healthy treat, I turn to coconut water. It’s filled with potassium and electrolytes, making this drink a great choice for a post-workout pick-me-up or a morning-after hangover.

4. Canned fish: I’m obsessed with canned fish these days. Since tuna has mercury concerns (and is being over-fished in general), I now turn to canned mackerel, sardines, and wild salmon. All of those fish are delicious, eco-friendly, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Canned beans: Cheap and chock full of tasty, plant-based protein, canned beans are one of the best easy health foods out there. Add them to salads, sprinkle some over your stir-fry, and mix them into your grains. Choose organic if available.

6. Healthy food bars: Not all food bars are created equal. In fact, most are candy bars in disguise! That being said, there are several companies producing healthy bars that are made with high-quality, real food. Look for ingredient lists that are short and pronounceable, with no added sugar. Some of my favorites: Lara Bars, Organic Food Bars, Organic Cliff Nectar, and Organic Greens Plus.

 
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6  Comments
  1. Andy
    February 19, 2009 10am EST

    Mmmm.. I love me some coconut water, although it’s pretty hard to find some of that stuff. Never thought about trying it for hangovers, will need to give that a shot.

  2. Karen
    February 20, 2009 9am EST

    I’ve started seeing coconut water in more and more stores…and even marketed as a sports drink now. Andrea- do you know if I can eat too much avocado? I know it’s good fat, but is having one a day too much?

  3. Andrea Moss
    February 26, 2009 9am EST

    Hi Karen,

    Thanks for your comment! Knowing how much fat you should eat each day is really a personal thing. Each of us are different — my exact diet shouldn’t be yours, and vice versa! Some people might need more fat based on their activity levels or where they live (colder climates) or their own genetic make up. It’s also hard for me recommend exactly how much fat you should be eating without knowing your exact diet. But I would recommend experimenting with the amount of fat in your diet and seeing what feels best to you. If having one avocado a day feels good and you’re not seeing an increase in weight or a decrease in energy, it’s probably just fine. And remember that our eating changes with the seasons, too: what feels right in February might not feel as energizing in the spring or summer. I do offer 45 min complimentary holistic health consultations and if this is something you’re interested in, you can contact me via my website: http://www.mosswellness.com

    Be well! :)

  4. Andrea Moss
    April 1, 2009 6pm EDT

    Joannah - thanks so much for writing! Great to hear from you. I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the blog. I’ll have to check out your blog - I love scones! :)

  5. Karen
    May 4, 2009 9am EDT

    Thanks Andrea. And I appreciate your candid response since I am often told 5 grams of this and 1/2 cup of that, but I agree that it is really an individual thing. I’ll be sure to check out your site.

  6. Ruthann
    August 29, 2009 9am EDT

    I would really love to find a no refined sugar added protein bar. (no artifical sweetners, or sugar alcohols, either… maltitol, etc.) I am very pleased with the brand “Nana’s” for their double chocolate cookies and fudgie wudgie brownie bars, but they do not offer any protein bar. I also love Lara bars, but they’re more like a snack than a protein bar. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 
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