I don’t leave home without them. No, I’m not talking about my American Express and other credit cards; those are already mainstays in this mama’s purse. But, perhaps more import than having funds on hand for a quick trip to load up at the market or splurge at my favorite running shoe store is keeping a reserve of healthy food rations at my fingertips. Having these nutrition options on-hand when hunger strikes keeps me from grabbing a pack of M&Ms from the vending machine or skipping out on essential post-workout refueling.  Oh, and I never forget to hydrate by keeping a bottle of water in my purse too!

Jerky: Packed with protein and trimmed of fat, dried-meat jerkies will keep forever, even if they fall all the way to the bottom of my bag and don’t get discovered until months later!  Give or take a little by brand and the type of meat, most jerkies have less than 100 calories per ounce and as much as 13 grams of protein. A favorite brand I’ve recently discovered is Simply Snakin’; it’s made with all-natural ingredients with no preservatives and has been combined with many wholesome fruits and spices to create crazy-delicious flavor profiles. Two of my favorites are Teriyaki Beef Sirloin with Blueberries and Cranberries and Chicken Breast with Black Bean Salsa. Because this brand incorporates fruit into their recipes, the overall calorie and protein grams are lower (about 60 calories and 5g protein) which means I don’t feel guilty about having two at a time!

Fruit Leathers & Dried Fruit:  I’m not talking about the jacked-up sugar and fake-colored roll-ups that are marketed to kids on the cereal and granola-bar aisle.  Those are nasty and not good for anyone. I like the products from Sun-Rype, they offer a range of 100-perecent fruit snacks with no artificial anything and lots of natural satisfaction for my sweet tooth.  For example, the company’s Fruit Source Bars contain two whole servings of fruit, no fat and just 120 calories. Dried fruit (with no sugar added, you have to read the label for that  –  ahem, Craisins) also makes a great purse snack. Raisins, dried apricots and dried figs, yum! The only caveat is that you have to pre-pack most dried fruit in little individual zip-top bags.

Nuts: Nuts are one of nature’s best snacks; they are high in protein and provide a lot of essential nutrients and healthy fats. That being said, you don’t want to overdo it on nuts because they are higher in calorie, fat and sodium levels (if salted). Keep perfectly portioned by filling up snack-sized bags with ¼ cup of nuts (like almonds, cashews, walnuts or what have you) and stash in your purse for enjoyment later.

Fresh Produce: If I know I will be eating my purse snack by the end of the day, I’ll slip in an apple, baggie of mini carrots or sugar snap peas. You just can’t beat getting your nutrients and fiber straight from the source without a middle man. Many stores now stock individual-sized cups of nut butters, hummus, and low-fat dips that make excellent on-the-go accompaniments to fresh produce. Use a small Tupperware with ice-pack insert if your purse or gym bag will be sitting out for more than a couple hours.

Protein Bars: I admit it; I’m a protein bar junkie and have probably sampled every make and model out there! Some have a funky texture and aftertaste and others have a surprisingly large amount of sugar. Even so, the higher-sugar protein bars are better than a real candy bar in the fact they do at least pack some protein and other added nutrients. But, if you take the time to research what you put into your mouth and experiment with the texture format you like best (like rice crunchy, nougat-based, nutty), you’ll find lots protein-bar options that are great to store in your purse of gym bag. My current favorites are Think Thin Chocolate Fudge (no sugar added at all and 20g protein) and Muscle Milk Lean Protein Bar Chocolate Peanut Carmel   (15 grams protein).

What is your favorite purse snack? Share your ideas in the comment section!