The Best Picks at Snap Kitchen, According to a Philly Nutrition Pro
Chicken Teriyaki and Roasted Cauliflower at Snap Kitchen | Photo by Claudia Gavin
The point of Snap Kitchen, the health-conscious grab-and-go spot that’s opened a handful of stores around Philly in the past month or so (with more to come!), is to be able to run in and grab a healthy, pre-made meal fast. But the thing is, when you run in, you’re greeted with a wall filled with shelves and shelves of refrigerated item after refrigerated item, from breakfast options to dinner options to snack options to dessert options for everyone from vegans to Paleo devotees. If that sounds a tiny bit overwhelming, that’s because it is. There’s just a lot to choose from.
So to help you come to your decision a bit faster than we have in the past, I reached out to our pal Jessica Procini, Philly-based health coach of Laugh Yourself Skinny (and the same gal who helped us find healthy road-trip snacks at Wawa), and we went on our own Snap Kitchen shopping trip to pinpoint the best Snap Kitchen items to grab for everything from when you need a post-workout snack to when you forgot to pack a lunch to when 3 p.m. hanger sets in, and more. Check out Procini’s top picks at Snap Kitchen below.
A note: When it comes to your options, many of Snap Kitchen’s meals come in a range of sizes, which Procini says to choose based on your hunger level when you’re shopping. And you’ll notice Procini’s picks are pretty meat-heavy, so we see a “Best Vegetarian Picks at Snap Kitchen” in our future. Stay tuned, veggie lovers!
Photo by Claudia Gavin
For a breakfast that will last you ’til lunch …
What: Chili Eggs, $5.49 to $9.49, and Easy Greens or Super Greens, $7.99
Why: If you’re looking for a breakfast that won’t leave you hungry 30 minutes later, Procini suggests the Chili Eggs, an egg scramble topped with ground turkey chili. Thanks to the turkey, eggs and beans, you’ll get your fill of protein, plus a good dose of veggies, which many of us miss at breakfast. If you work out in the morning or you just generally love a nice, big breakfast, Procini suggests reaching for a green juice, too. As she says, “Greens are the number one thing we all don’t get enough of. Plus, they contribute to beautiful skin.” So if you’re going to add something to your morning meal, a big fat helping of greens is a good way to go.
Photo by Claudia Gavin
For a post-workout snack …
What: Caveman Quickies, $2.99, and Energy Boost, $7.99
Why: For a snack after you get your sweat on, Procini says to reach for the Caveman Quickies, granola bites that are loaded with healthy fats from nuts, seeds and coconut oil, that won’t cause your blood sugar to soar and then drop. To wash those down, grab an Energy Boost juice, made with coconut water and watermelon, both of which are great for rehydration and high in potassium, which helps with muscle cramps.
Photo by Claudia Gavin
For “Oh, crap! I forgot my lunch” moments …
What: Chicken Teriyaki with Rice, $6.99 to $8.49, and side of veggies, $0.99
Why: You know when you forget to pack a lunch, realize mid-walk to work, then grab the least nutritionally sound item possible (hello, cheese hoagie) on your way to the office, because panic? Well, never again. Procini says to reach for this dish — loaded with chicken, black rice, all sorts of veggies and a house-made teriyaki sauce — over a hoagie. As she explains, unlike something like a hoagie, this dish is not heavy in simple carbs. Why does that matter? Well, when you eat a lunch packed with simple carbs (hi, white bread), your blood sugar spikes then crashes, and a few hours later you’re craving sugar. This option will keep you from running to Dunkin’ Donuts come 3 p.m. To bulk it up, reach for one of Snap’s veggie sides; options change based on the day.
Photo by Claudia Gavin
For a lunch salad you’ll actually look forward to …
What: Chicken Sesame Chopped Salad, $8.99, and Silken Chocolate “Mousse,” $2.99
Why: For days when you’re in the mood for a salad, this sesame concoction — which gives you protein from chicken and cashews, plus a very large serving of vitamin C — will do the trick. As Procini says, “It has a nice balance of veggies and protein. It will be very filling without feeling super heavy.” And as the nutrition pro says, “If you’re going to have a salad, you might as well have dessert.” That’s where the chocolate mousse, a guilt-free chocolate and orange-y dessert, comes in.
Photo by Claudia Gavin
For an afternoon snack …
What: Chai Cashew Shake, $7.99
Why: “This is substantial enough to be bridge from lunch without spoiling dinner,” Procini says. Plus, it’s sweetened with ingredients like dates and cinnamon which are lower on the glycemic level, meaning your blood sugar won’t shoot through the roof with every sip.
Photo by Claudia Gavin
For a post-workout dinner …
What: Naked Chicken, $7.49 to $13.99
Why: “After you work out, what you want most is proteins and veggies. Protein will help your muscles repair and veggies are healthy carbs that will help to restore your sugar levels without making you crave sugar, “ Procini explains. This dish is also on the lighter side, which is good for the evening when your metabolism naturally slows down.
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