My Favorite Summertime Snack On the Go

Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Bubby and Bean possible. This post is in partnership with California Almonds, but all opinions are my own.

Shocker, Melissa is posting about snacks! It's no secret I have an affinity for snacks. Most of the recipes I post here are snack related, and I'm also constantly gushing about how I'm grazing on snacks throughout the day.

But there happens to be a snack I love so much, a snack that is so simple and so perfect for summer no matter where you are and what you're doing, that I'm devoting an entire post to it. And yes, this post is sponsored. But it's not an ad. It's a love letter. Anyone who knows me in real life can attest to the fact that I never, ever leave my house without almonds. And anyone who reads here knows that I include almonds in recipes I share all the time. So it only makes sense that I share with you guys why almonds are my favorite summertime snack, at home and on-the-go.

First let's talk about the why. In short, almonds taste freaking delicious, they're really healthy, and they're super convenient. I incorporate almonds into my smoothies, oatmeal, salads, and baked goods, and I make nut butter and nut milk from them. But I also take them with me everywhere, especially in the summertime when I'm outdoors a lot chasing my kids and need to maintain my energy. They're full of protein and fiber which sustains me. They allow me to consume something quick and without thought that isn't full of empty calories. (In fact, a recent study shows that a handful of almonds provides up to 25% fewer calories than previously thought!*) And they're packed full of nutrition. One ounce of almonds is a great source of vitamin E and magnesium, contains 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, and is a source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. Did I mention all of the good, healthy unsaturated fats? I mean really, there's no arguing that almonds are the perfect snack.

*Novotny JA, Gebauer SK, Baer DJ. Discrepancy between the Atwater factor predicted and empirically measured energy values of almonds in human diets. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012; 96(2):296-301.

Now let's talk about the how - specifically how I keep almonds on me at all times. In terms of convenience, it's pretty obvious. Almonds are small and fit anywhere, they're not messy, and you can eat just one or a handful depending on how hungry you are. I usually keep a whole bag of them in my car, but I also have several reusable containers of them in various bags depending on activities.

I throw a container of almonds in our beach bag when we go to the pool or the beach. I've yet to find a more practical snack for pool days! I almost always have a container of them in my purse. Whether I'm running errands or attending work meetings, it's really nice to be able to munch on a handful of almonds when I'm hungry. I take almonds with us when we go hiking or are out exploring nature. I pack almonds in our carry on luggage when we fly (we leave the day after tomorrow for a long trip to Colorado and yes, I already have my almonds ready to go), and in our bags when we go on summertime road trips. I even throw a little bag of almonds in my pocket when we walk up to the local park.

I also always put a container of almonds into Essley's lunch/snack bags for activities and camps. My kids love them as much as I do! And that makes me happy, because almonds keep them full between meals, and are packed with protein, fiber and healthy fat, but are low in sugar. You can't ask for a better snack for your little ones.

There you have it friends: my ode to the ultimate summertime snack on the go. If you're a California almonds fan like I am, I would love to hear the ways you enjoy them while you're out and about in the summer!

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