Fueling the Brovider

Rating: All-Star

I used to think of snacks as fillers—something you grab when you’re hungry between meals, usually whatever’s easy and within arm’s reach. Chips. Crackers. A bar with more sugar than substance. But then I realized those “snacks” weren’t doing me or my family any favors. I’d get the short burst, the quick fix, and then the crash.

These days, I try to think of snacks as fuel. Not just for me, but for my kids too. The same way I think about work, workouts, or time together—I want the return to be worth the investment.

One of my go-tos is simple: a pouch of Chicken of the Sea Smoked Alaskan Pink Salmon and a handful of almonds. No cooking. No cleanup. Just food that actually works.

The salmon packs 16 grams of clean protein in one pouch. It’s wild-caught, boneless, skinless, and ready to eat. The almonds bring in the crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Together, it’s the kind of snack that keeps me steady through the afternoon, when emails are flying and the kids need me at full strength.

It’s also portable—toss it in a backpack, no refrigeration needed—which means I can refuel at the park, on a hike, or even sitting in the car between school pickup and practice drop-off. And unlike the sugar-heavy options I used to reach for, this one actually sustains me. No crash. No regrets.

Snacking this way has changed how I think about the small choices in a day. A handful of almonds instead of chips. Salmon instead of processed bars. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being purposeful.

Because every little choice adds up: in energy, in health, in how present I am for my family.

So the next time hunger sneaks up, ask yourself—are you looking for filler, or fuel?