How to fuel festively on the fly

Holiday running usually gets squeezed in wherever it fits, whether that’s on travel days or crammed around whatever else is on the calendar. Your carefully curated fuelling plan tends to get a little loose, too. That’s OK—we’re the first to say that you don’t need to be “on top of your fuelling” all the time. But if you want a few easy snacks that happen to work well for running and still feel seasonal, these are simple ones to keep around.

These snacks are quick, portable and balanced enough to work before a run, after a run or on the go. They have some seasonal zest without tasting like dessert, and they are quick to prep with basics you probably have on hand.

Cranberry almond energy bites

These are perfect for pre-run or post-run when you want something small but steady. The oats and cranberries give you quick, easy-to-digest carbs, while almond butter adds enough protein and fat to keep energy from spiking and crashing. It’s a solid option when you don’t want to think too hard but still want something that fuels rather than just fills.

Ingredients

rolled oats
almond butter
dried cranberries
honey or maple syrup
pinch of salt

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until the mixture sticks together, then roll it into bite-sized balls.
Keep them in the fridge or toss a couple in a bag before heading out.

Gingerbread cottage cheese dip

This is great for post-run, mid-afternoon or as a stand-alone snack that doesn’t feel like “recovery food.” Cottage cheese provides a solid protein base, while the sweetener and dippers add carbs to help replenish energy. It’s easy to portion, easy to travel with and feels more like a holiday snack tray item than a “runner needs protein” situation.

Ingredients

full-fat cottage cheese
molasses or maple syrup
cinnamon
ground ginger
vanilla extract
pinch of salt
optional for dipping: apple slices, pretzels, graham crackers

Blend the cottage cheese until smooth (or mash it well if you prefer not to blend). Stir in a small spoon of molasses or maple syrup, a pinch of cinnamon and ginger, a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt. Chill for 10–15 minutes to let the flavours settle.

Chocolate-date snowball bites

These are good for: pre-run, post-run or grabbing on the way out the door. Dates and oats deliver quick, usable carbs, while nut butter adds protein and fat to slow digestion just enough. They’re dense without being heavy and hold up well in cold-weather pockets or bags.

Ingredients

Medjool dates
oats
almond or peanut butter
cocoa powder
pinch of salt
Optional: shredded coconut for rolling

Pit the dates and pulse them in a food processor until sticky. Add oats, nut butter, cocoa powder and salt, and pulse until the mixture holds together. Roll into small balls and, if you want, coat lightly in shredded coconut. Keep refrigerated.