Orange Peanut Butter Crackers are not a Meal

Anyone who knows me knows I periodically go on a rant about those processed, pre-packaged orange cheese and peanut butter crackers you can get from a vending machine or by the case from a big box store.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I think they are tasty, full of salty, peanut-buttery yumminess.

But they are high in calories, sodium, and saturated fats, and don’t have much in the way of fiber or vitamins (for more details look here.) They are an occasional treat.

BUT…for some reason people think they can keep these things in their glove box and count them as a meal.  Folks, these are not a meal. I get it—they are easy, can be stored forever, and are really convenient.

I think what sets me off about these crackers is that they symbolize the ideas that we must do something quick for nourishment and that we don’t deserve to take the time to eat something that is good for us.

We all deserve better, no matter how busy we are. We deserve food that will give us good fuel, and a bit of time to eat it in peace, even if it’s just resting for a minute in your truck.

Try this instead

Next time you’re tempted to buy a carton of orange crackers, think about these options instead:

• Peanut butter and whole-grain crackers (you can make your own and put in a plastic bag)
• Nuts or seeds (preferably unsalted, or lightly salted)
• Dried fruit
• Air popped popcorn (again, you can make and bag yourself)

If you have a small cooler, you can add:

• Fruit
• String cheese
• Carrot and other vegetable sticks
• Lots of water to drink

It’ll just take a minute to make a week’s-worth of healthy food and then grab some every morning.

We are each worth it and it’ll keep everyone thriving on the farm.