By Lauren Harrell
As a person always on the go, it can be challenging to eat healthy and balanced snacks and meals. When away from home, unhealthier options are most often cheaper and easier to find. However, with some advanced planning and creativity, you can make quick and nutritious snacks to take with you throughout the day.
Apple slices with Almond Butter
An excellent source of protein and potassium, almond butter, provides essential nutrients and promotes heart health while containing less fat per serving than peanut butter. Apples are a great on-the-go fruit option since they do not have to be refrigerated. Slice the apple before leaving home and put them in a container with a little bit of orange juice to prevent browning! Or toss the whole apple in your bag! Apple slices with almond butter make the perfect combination of fruit and nuts.
Banana
Another easy fruit that is great for on-the-go! Bananas do not have to be refrigerated either. One banana provides a serving a fruit, improves good digestion, and proves to be filling. Enjoy this low calorie and inexpensive snack.
Cashews
While slightly more expensive, a handful of cashews goes a long way. The minerals and nutrients are plentiful in these nuts, including magnesium that promotes muscle and bone health, protein, and oleic acid that prevents heart disease and certain cancers. In fact, the fatty acids in cashews are sources of good cholesterol.
Raw Cauliflower and Broccoli
Seriously this is one of my favorite snacks! Raw vegetables contain so many nutrients that are not as plentiful in their cooked versions. Cut up cauliflower and broccoli and eat it raw with ranch or another veggie dip for a simple snack. Cauliflower is low in carbohydrates and high in nutrients that promote digestion and improve blood pressure.
Zucchini and Squash Parmesan Crisps
Looking for a more flavorful vegetable snack? Cut zucchini and squash into thin slices, lay on a pan, and sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes on 450. Serve with ranch or eat them straight off the pan! You won’t be able to resist this snack. While not as on-the-go friendly, you won’t regret trying this tasty treat.
KIND Bar
With KIND Bars, you have several options, including Fruit and Nut bars, Plus bars, and Nuts and Spices bars. Try their Fruit and Nut bars for various ingredients including almonds, pecans, coconut, apricots, strawberries, and yogurt. Their Plus bars provide good sources of nutrients, including antioxidants, protein, and fiber. The Nuts and Spices Bars include ingredients, such as caramel, dark chocolate, and sea salt in addition to mixed nuts. With all of these bars, be sure to read the labels and choose flavors high in protein and fiber and low in sugar. A KIND bar is an easy, satisfying snack that is also delicious!
Hard Boiled Eggs
Make several hard-boiled eggs, store them in the refrigerator, and have a ready-to-go snack for each day of the week. This is a very inexpensive option that is also high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This is a great on-the-go breakfast option that will keep you feeling full for a while after.
SkinnyPop
SkinnyPop is a healthier and just as tasty version of the always enticing movie-theater style popcorn! Popcorn is an excellent source of fiber, but SkinnyPop is also gluten free, dairy free, and preservative free. The ingredients are simple with only popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt in its original flavor. Enjoy a variety of flavors and enjoy your favorite snack without the excess fats, sugars, sodium, and artificial ingredients.
Pretzels and Hummus
Another perfect pairing. Hummus is rich in protein and fiber. Made from chickpeas, hummus provides good fats to promote a healthy balance of HDL “good” cholesterol. Make your own fresh hummus or pick up a container of hummus at the store. Pretzels are perfect to pack alongside your hummus for dipping. For even easier snacking, look for snack packs of hummus and pretzels.
I know just how difficult it can be to choose healthy snacks, but these delicious and easy options will change your mind. Plan ahead for each day to make healthy snacking as convenient as possible and unhealthy options won’t be as enticing. Happy snacking!
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