granola bars and hunger vs. thirst

I really have to read labels to choose granola bars.  Most of them are made from borderline or pleasure ingredients.  So, I pick the best ones I can find—always with nuts!  Often they are too sweet and I can’t even choke them down.  I don’t generally spend much time on food labels, but I have to for granola bars, unless some kind soul makes some for me.

Regarding thirst and hunger signals, thirst is best satisfied with water.  Orange juice is mainly water plus a lot of calories from sugar.  In fact, it can be considered a food because of its nutrient and calorie content.  Drinking OJ in response to uncertain hunger cues is not the same as drinking water because of this.  Your “hunger” will go away because, in a way, you have eaten something to satisfy it.  Only trying water first will clear up whether you are experiencing hunger or thirst.

My standard carry-along foods are:

nuts
a nut/rice cracker mix I get at Costco
apples & string cheese sticks
peanut or almond butter sammies, usually with banana or all-fruit jam

and yes…ALWAYS water! Several years ago, we installed an RO filtration system and it was one of the best things we have ever invested in.  I love drinking the good tasting water it produces, in fact I crave it.  :D   I always carry a couple of bottles with me.  Highly recommended.

My favorite snacks are nuts like peanuts, almonds and pistachios. I also like fruit like pears, plums and peaches. Sometimes I’ll have a granola bar or some whole-wheat chips or crackers. I wish the vending machines at my work would stock some of these items but it’s usually just chips and candy.