What to Eat to Power You Through Black Friday

Right after Thanksgiving comes the biggest, and craziest, shopping day of the year: Black Friday. The average person gets up well before the sun, often 3 am or earlier, to wait in line for the best Black Friday deals. You’ll be doing quite a bit of moving and contending with hundreds of other shoppers, and for these reasons, it’s important that you have on-the-go snacks to power you through when things inevitably get crazy.

Hummus

Hummus is a great source of protein as well as many essential vitamins and minerals. Made from chickpeas, this Mediterranean dip can help to keep you nice and full as well as give you the energy you need to find all of the best deals. Hummus can help regulate your blood sugar, and the chickpeas and tahini are high in iron, which combat fatigue. You can buy hummus from just about any local grocery store or, with just a few ingredients, you can make your own. Be sure to pack carrots, celery sticks or some pita triangles for dipping.

Granola

Granola is often touted as an energy food. Oats are full of fiber to keep you full. Both they and any nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) that are added provide you with the energy you need to keep going. It can also be dressed up with dried fruits for a little extra flavor. You can find granola in any grocery store or you can bake your own to customize your own favorite flavor. If you don’t feel like contending with loose granola, a granola bar can stand in as a substitute.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit contains a lot of fiber, which keeps you full. It is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. You can pack citrus fruits for a blast of flavor as well as energy. A whole apple is crisp and delicious. Or a banana, which is full of potassium for energy, travels quite well. You can bring along a cheese stick as well, which contains protein, to round out your snack and give you an added boost.

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a great option if you’re going to be running around for hours on end, seeking out deal after deal and contending with other shoppers. Nuts contain heart-healthy fats, fiber and protein to fill you up and keep you energized. Dried fruit aids in giving you a burst of energy as well. And some trail mixes have chocolate pieces in them as well for an added flavor dimension. This snack is low glycemic, so it won’t spike your energy and then make you crash. The great thing about trail mix is that you only need a small handful to keep you fired up and moving.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great on-the-go snack that you can customize to your taste. Start with a base of almond milk, regular milk or juice. Add your favorite fruits, such as pineapples, strawberries, blueberries and bananas. Throw in some vegetables, like spinach or kale and beets. You can add some nut butter for protein or add your favorite protein powder. Smoothies are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and the combinations are endless.

Before you leave your house to contend with other Black Friday shoppers, don’t forget to pack yourself an energy boosting snack. You’ll give yourself the edge you need to get all the best deals and you’ll still have the energy you need to enjoy the rest of your day.

We’re closed on Thanksgiving, but we open back up again at 6:30 am on Black Friday. Stop in for a filling breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee to help you power through your Black Friday shopping. Or come see us when you’re all done for a well-deserved lunch! Happy Thanksgiving and be safe out there, folks!