We’ve clearly got food on the brain lately, but who can blame us? Fortunately, we’re full of healthy eating ideas and have a list of healthy snacks for on the go. Most of these healthy snacks can be found in single purchase containers at the grocery store for a mid-afternoon pick me up or can be made from bulk ingredients ahead of time and packaged in single servings for a quick grab on the way out the door.
It is important to choose foods that will curb cravings and provide nutritional value when you’ve got snacking on the mind, and the bigger trick is to have them available when you need them so you aren’t tempted to head to the vending machine at 2pm. We’ve all been down that road – self control just doesn’t exist when everyone else in the office has a bag of chips.
Sliced veggies can be stored in Ziploc bags or a reusable container (think celery, zucchini or carrot sticks) in the office fridge or right at your desk. It’s easy to find precut veggies in containers with a side of hummus at grocery stores or cafes anywhere you go. Any type of raw vegetable offers the healthiest and most fulfilling snack option, just remember to lay low on adding any type of creamy or high fat, high calorie dip.
Nuts are another great healthy snack option because they’re high in protein to keep you full for hours. Nuts and seeds contain an amino acid that helps with high blood pressure and heart disease, and you’re not limited to almonds and walnuts! There are plenty of types of nuts and seeds to choose from, making it easy to customize your own perfect mix:
- sesame seeds
- pumpkin seeds
- sunflower seeds
- flax seeds
- hemp seeds
- chia seeds
- pine nuts
- peanuts
- pistachios
- walnuts
- cashews
- almonds
- brazil nuts
- hazelnuts
Gather several different types the next time you’re at the store (a bulk option store will have the most variety) and put them all into a large bowl back at home. Mix them up and scoop them into baggies or small reusable containers and always keep one at your desk for a sneak snack attack. Nuts and sees also make a great addition to any salad or meal.
Similar to nuts, Edamame can make for a quick and healthy snack option. Purchase fresh or frozen, steam them for a minute in the microwave and toss in a little sea salt. You can even add some dried cranberries for a mix of salty and sweet (and really, what more could you ask for in a healthy mid-afternoon snack?).
This brings us to snack option number four, dried fruit. Pick up a package of raisins, cranberries, dried bananas or plantains, dried apricots, or prunes from any major grocery store. If you are a lover of both dried fruits and nuts, combine the two for a brain boosting trail mix that will power you through any meeting. Be cautious, though, as dried fruits may contain added sugars. And eating too many at once can cause some bodily functions that are unpleasant at work…
Fresher is always better, but when you need to grab something in a hurry, there are a variety of granola bars available on the market. It can be a challenge when choosing and often times, companies can sneak in words like “natural” or “fat free” and people assume they mean healthy, which is not always the case. Check out the ingredient label: the fewer ingredients listed the better. You’ll want to make sure that you can pronounce all ingredients and understand what they are. Too many artificial ingredients and colorings are bad for the body and won’t leave you feeling fulfilled. When it doubt, don’t buy!
Last but certainly not least, fresh fruit is one of the best options for healthy snacking and is a great way to satisfy that sweet craving. Opt for some yogurt with your fruit and add a little granola if you want some crunch. There is little quite like the feeling of refreshing fruit – perfect for your mid-morning snack or a little after lunch treat.
What is your favorite healthy snack on the go? Tell us!
Images courtesy of Perpetually Chic, She Knows, and another from She Knows.