Fresh, Healthy Snacks on the Go

We’ve all been there – you’re rushing from one errand to the next when hunger strikes. Racing into the nearest gas station, you grab a candy bar and promise yourself you’ll be better next time. But the pattern continues, and sooner or later, you’re hit with a nasty surprise when you step on the scale. But don’t worry – all of this frustration can be prevented by taking a little extra time to throw together some healthy snacks on the go.

Think Fresh

Fruits and veggies are always a great option for smart, healthy snacking. Keeping your refrigerator stocked with apples, pears, grapes and kiwis provides a quick fruit option, and celery, carrots and snap peas are delicious, as well as healthy, for on-the-go grub. Seeds, berries and nuts are also easy to grab quickly, so make sure to keep your cupboards stocked with them. Best of all, these options take little or no time to prepare and can be taken just about anywhere.

Packaged Snacks

Sure, you might prefer something a little more creative for your snacking pleasures, but with time in such short supply, you may find pre-packaged snacks to be an easy option. Unfortunately, many pre-packed snack foods are jammed full of preservatives, sugar, salt and other unhealthy ingredients. Keep in mind that you want to stay away from saturated fat and trans-fats, so check the Nutrition Facts label to see what you’re eating. While sweeter treats, like granola bars, often contain a high amount of calories and sugar, whole-wheat pretzels, rice cakes and yogurt-covered raisins are all healthy, delicious options.

Make-It-Yourself Snacks

Though not quite as quick to prepare, these types of treats can be homemade to prevent taking in so many preservatives and unwanted ingredients. Often, with pre-packed foods, the ingredients are labeled in such a way that it’s difficult to determine what’s actually in the snack you’re eating. Taking a couple of hours on a Saturday morning to make some quick, preservative-free snacks will save you those extra calories during the week.

One healthy option is the whole-wheat tortilla chips. Buy whole-wheat tortillas and cutting them into strips or squares. Brush each one with olive oil and dust with cinnamon or drizzle with honey for extra flavor. Bake these for 10 minutes at 250 degrees then flip and bake for another 5 minutes. The result is a healthy, tasty snack that you can dip in hummus or eat plain.

Toasting rolled oats that have been mixed with honey, raisins and flax seed is another delicious and nutritious option. Pair this with some homemade dried fruit, and you’re all set for a morning of running around on errands. Dried fruit maintains its healthy qualities, but lasts longer than fresh fruit and tastes just as delicious, and there are plenty of recipes online for making your own dried fruit.

Drinks

Most adults don’t even drink half the amount of water their bodies require – in part because the body sometimes sends out mixed signals that cause water cravings to be misinterpreted as hunger. If you’re ready to dive into the fridge for a snack, try drinking a full glass of water and see if the cravings go away. If water isn’t the solution, try skim milk or soy drink with calcium – these beverages have been found to sustain your body for longer than a sugary soda drink. But not only is milk a healthier option, recent studies have shown that calcium helps people to lose belly fat and maintain a healthy body weight. Remember to keep well hydrated through the year, but especially during the summer months, when increased perspiration can lead to dehydration much more quickly. For your body to be fully functioning and alert, try to drink a full eight glasses of water a day.