It’s December 18th, and you’ve just started Christmas shopping. Your list is huge, so you venture into a mall with the hope of getting in and out as soon as possible. Dread hits you when you see the long, snake-like check-out lines made of miserable, claustrophobic people. A couple of hours in and you’ve been doing rather well (aside from the rumbling complaints of your stomach). Suddenly, someone elbows you and you COMPLETELY lose it.

Diagnosis? You’re definitely hangry!

Hangry: adj. \‘häŋ-grē\ Being simultaneously hungry and angry because you’re SO hungry that you’ve become angry.

…Does this sound like you during holiday shopping? If so, continue reading for some quick tips on how to handle the malls, crowds and protesting stomachs this holiday season.

Before the mall, grab:

A handful (approx.1/4 cup) of nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.
A protein bar – but not any protein bar because some contain MORE calories and fat than a chocolate bar…Kashi usually makes a good one and so does Clif Bar and Company. Choose one that has 100 to 200 calories, at least 6g of protein, 5g of fiber, and 8g or less of fat.
Dry cereal, like Mini Wheat’s, which do not contain added sugar.

Leave at home:

Candy
Potato chips

Both of these have a low satiety, so you’ll be hungry again before you finish the bag.

At the mall, grab:

A fruit smoothie from Jugo Juice or Booster Juice
A pretzel

Walk past:

Mini donuts
Cinnabon

These heavy ‘snacks’ will make you want to curl up and sleep instead of finishing your Christmas list.

When it comes down to a foot race for the last Elmo, you’ll be lapping the competition with these energy packed snacks. Happy shopping!

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Image courtesy of NegativeSpace