This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Mariani Packing Company,  but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MarianiSuperPrunes  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

One of the trickiest things about traveling with kids is keeping everyone’s moods in check. We’ve all been there. It just takes one cranky person to put a damper on an otherwise amazing trip. That’s why I like to set ourselves up for success. I want to let you in on a secret: I like to pack Mariani Probiotic Pitted Prunes. Not only is it a healthy snack choice, but it’s that little bit of sweetness that keeps us (and our bellies) happy!

Let’s Talk About Prunes

My kids LOVE snacking on dried fruit. We call it a “treat” in our house and it makes them want it even more. I usually pack them with us on our adventures because I don’t have to worry about keeping them cold and they can stay in my bag for a few days and still taste fresh.

But, not all dried fruit has the same health benefits. Prunes are just dried plums. But, the Ganeden BC30 probiotic in Mariani Probiotic Prunes is unique. They are designed by nature to survive and thrive in conditions other probiotics cannot.

By surviving, Ganeden BC30 delivers active probiotics ten times more effectively than the probiotics in yogurt. Crazy, right?

These Probiotic Prunes from Mariani are made using California grown prunes. Mariani prunes are a prebiotic, which the probiotic needs to feed off of. Prunes also have additional vitamins that are great for your health & wellness. You can watch a video about all the prune probiotic benefits here.

I actually learned about the benefits of prunes during pregnancy. One of the health benefits of dried prunes is that they can relieve pregnancy constipation. Rather than taking a bunch of pills, I just snacked on a few prunes and they helped immensely!

How My Family Eats Prunes

Personally, I like to grab a few to eat while I’m running around the kitchen in the morning getting lunches ready. Then, I eat a couple as I’m checking my email. And then, I grab a couple more to eat in the car as we head off to our daily adventures.

My kids like it when I chop them up. Then, they have an excuse to use their training chopsticks. I love this because it turns eating prunes into an fine motor skill activity! Educational and nutritious!

My oldest also likes to build with his pitted prunes before he gobbles them up! Since they are a little sticky, they make excellent building materials and he likes to see how high he can stack them. So far, his record is 8 pitted prunes high!

Where We Pack Our Prunes

Summer has hit Seattle and we are exploring the Pacific Northwest! We recently went to Winthrop, WA on a mini road trip where we packed snacks for the car ride and our hotel room.

But, when our family travels, we notice that our digestive system gets out of whack. That’s where these pitted prunes come in. They are a great source of fiber. And I love that we don’t need to take pills. We just grab a few Mariani Prunes and we’re back on track!

So, What Can You Do With Prunes?

My family likes to just eat them from the bag. But, they can also be used as an ingredient. Just be sure not to cook them, as that will diminish the probiotic benefits.

SUMMER SALADS

I love adding a sweet element to my salads. So, why not chop up some Mariani Probiotic Prunes to sprinkle on top of a green salad? Actually, this also works for winter salads, too!

SMOOTHIES

As a Mom, making smoothies is a great way to get my kids to eat more fruits and veggies. And then I make one for myself and boost my own intake.

But, have you ever added dried fruit to a smoothie? Throw in a few prunes and add a probiotic to your summer smoothie.

ENERGY BARS + ENERGY BALLS

I don’t really enjoy cooking. So, no bake prune energy bars and energy balls are more my speed. They make a convenient on-the-go breakfast and pack well for a mid-morning snack.

TRAIL MIX

We’ve been eating a lot of trail mix this summer. But, I like to buy pre-made trail mix and then add some chopped Mariani Probiotic Pitted Prunes. It’s a great way to get that sweet and salty combo!

Did you know that 70% of your body’s immune system is in your intestinal tract? Mariani Probiotic Prunes support overall wellness and digestive health, so you can feel better and be your best! Supercharge your immune system and improve your gut health with a purchase of Probiotic Prunes at Albertson’s and other stores near you.