Many of you know I’m a school teacher. Middle school, to be exact.
I actually work for the professional development department of our school district but I’m assigned to a school in a relatively newly formed hybrid position. A lot of people have asked me about what I do. Basically I’m in a grant funded role where I teach students in the morning (three periods of 6th grade comprehensive science) and then work with teachers during the second part of my day. My work with teachers can be anything from completing observations and providing feedback, facilitating book studies, writing trainings, modeling lessons, supporting new teachers, and so much more.
Teaching in itself is an extremely exhausting, demanding and busy job. Adding coaching in the mix makes for quite the on-the-go day for me. But I love it!
Some days I go from being with students straight to working with teachers depending on their individual schedules and needs. I typically try to take lunch right after I’m released from students, and right before I start working with teachers. But there are times where I’m asked for some type of support during that time, meaning lunch may not happen until later on in the day.
No matter what career you’re in, you’ve been there. You’re tired, your stomach is grumbling, your head begins to ache, and it might be another hour or two before you can sit down for lunch! This lovely state of being is otherwise known as “hangry.”
My solution to this awful state of grumpiness: my fruit & nut “hangry” bites! I like to make a batch of these at the beginning of the work week and pack 2 or 3 bites in individual zipper baggies, pop them into the fridge and grab a bag to throw into my lunchbox for work that day. If lunch is being delayed, I can grab one or two of these bites to munch on to hold me over. They’re super filling, packed with protein from the walnuts and almonds, natural sugars from the dried fruit and raw honey, and good fat from the coconut flakes and coconut oil. You can mix and match your different nuts and fruits to make your favorite combo!
Hangry problems be gone!
- 1/2 cup chopped apricots (no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup whole dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted almonds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup oat flour (oats in a food processor, or you can purchase)
- 1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (solid or liquid both work)
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract
- Using a stand or hand mixer, combine all ingredients well. Roll into walnut-sized bites, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
