Convenience stores aren't sanctuaries of healthy eating, though they are, well,
convenient. Your corner store probably features more fat than Oprah's lost, but may have
healthy food hidden among the sludge. Here are ten healthful foods available at your
corner store:
Fruit. In any convenience store foray, opt for the fruit first-it's a
great source of vitamins and carbohydrate without the fat.
Energy bars. Powerbar started the sports bar revolution and consumer
demand drove it into convenience stores. Now you'll find a whole shelf of different
brands-most low in fat and high in carbs. The drawback: Rated on cost per
grams-of-carbohydrate, they're expensive but they carry well in a pocket.
Fruit bars. Fig bars, apricot bars-they're great choices for a
high-carb
snack and they're inexpensive too. A bonus: If you're on your bike, each bar goes down in
two quick bites.
Sports drinks. Soda and fruit juice used to be your only choices but now
you can find Gatorade and its sports-drink brethren in every store.
Coffee. Coffee? Yes, a cup can be a performance booster. Several studies
have shown that endurance performance improves after caffeine. If you're starting out on a
ride or run, choose a small cup rather than a large one so you don't spend the whole trip
looking for restrooms (coffee is a mild diuretic). Add sugar for some carbohydrate. Don't
forget caffeine-containing soda if you don't like coffee.
Chips. I know, potato chips have lots of fat-up to 50 percent of the
calories. But they also give you a dose of carbohydrate and sodium, important if you've
been kicking it hard. That's why ultra-marathon cyclists and runners go for the chips.
Don't make a habit of munching, but if you've been running or biking for miles and it's
still a long way home, they'll revive you quickly.
Instant soup. If you're riding or running and get caught in a cold rain,
a cup of instant soup can be a lifesaver. Buy the soup and mix it using the store's hot
water intended for tea.
Packaged bagels. Okay, the store-bought variety may not be as fresh or
tasty as hot-out-of-the-oven bagels from your local specialty shop but they're high in
carbs, low in fat, and easy to eat. Snag a couple of small tubs of jam and a plastic knife
and you're ready to go.
Bean burrito. Hungry for something substantial? Here's a dose of real
food with about 250 calories, 45 grams of carbohydrate (equal to most energy bars) and
only 5 grams (or less than 20 percent) fat. If it isn't spicy enough, get a small jar of
salsa.
Gummy bears. They're not your average bear. A three ounce package
contains 260 calories, a whopping 62 grams of carbohydrate-plenty of fast fuel for your
body-and absolutely no fat. Drawback: They stick to your teeth. Brush soon. |
