As you may have seen from a few of my recent posts, I’ve been working with Mint Velvet on a couple of cool and informative features! Today is all about healthy snacking and the very things you would find in my handbag if it were to be emptied out on a desk. I don’t pack all of these at once, (even my healthy appetite isn’t that big!) but they are my staple top 8 choices for healthy handbag snacks to keep me going and curb any cravings I may have. {Grey leather tote bag  from Mint Velvet}

1) Dark Chocolate 

This may not be a new item inside girls’ handbags but it sure does deserve its place! A little bar of dark chocolate (85% above) is the perfect go-to when you’re craving something sweet. You’ll actually find this in most of the cupboards in my house, the fridge, all handbags, training bag and car. Proper dark chocolate is so rich that you’ll only want a square or two until you feel completely satisfied!

2) Clementines

I’m sure this is an engrained continuation from my childhood because seedless clementines (very important!) were always in my lunch box as a kid. They’re easy to peel unlike big oranges where it is a constant battle of missing the flying juices, and also easy to pack. Win win!

3) Banana 

This is your one for a real energy boost. Bananas provide a slow release of energy into the body so they are ideal before a busy afternoon to keep yourself going.

4) Fruit bars 

Raw, organic fruit bars are the best. I don’t stick with just one brand but the ”˜Roobar’ bars in the picture are one of my favourites. Made with dates, berries, coconut, chia seeds and an array of other ingredients, they keep things interesting and are completely natural ”“ and tasty!

5) Popcorn 

This actually developed from the cinema snacks! We all know popcorn can be bought at the cinema but it’s full of unhealthy fats and sugars so I thought it was best to make my own! They turned out so good that they now live in my handbag in a small Tupperware when I just feel like a quick hit of something sweet. My favourite flavour is a combination of honey and salt. If you want my recipe for homemade popcorn then have a look here.

6) Nuts 

Rich in healthy fats and energy, nuts are my longest standing healthy handbag snack. I tend to pack a bag of mixed nuts because each have their own unique health benefits with different arrays of vitamins and minerals, so it’s good to keep changing them up when you can. A small handful of 10-12 nuts does the trick.

7) Dried Fruit 

Goji berries, raisins, dates, figs and the rest! Combine them with the nuts and you immediately have the ultimate trail mix. Sweet and chewy with a bit of crunch is simply heaven.

8) Nut Butter and rice cakes 

Some think it’s a little over the top, but I say ”˜Why not!”. I understand carrying around a little tub of nut butter may seem a hassle, but it slots into any handbag side pocket and the taste is sublime! It’s not only good for smothering on rice cakes, it’s also yummy with your morning porridge or have with a banana or apple slices. Try and go for more nutritious nut butter like almond instead of peanut.