Snacking on the go can be challenging when you’re trying to eat a balanced diet. It’s easy to grab chips, pretzels, or a candy bar when you’re in a hurry, but those options are low in nutrients and high in empty calories, fat, and sugar. The key is to plan ahead and have healthy, portable snacks on hand. Here are five nutritious snack ideas you can take with you anywhere.
Nuts and seeds are a perfect snack to take on the go. They’re filling, thanks to protein and healthy fats, and a small handful packs a nutritional punch. Almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are all easy options. Look for raw or roasted nuts with no added sugar.
Dried or fresh fruit like bananas, apples, berries, and grapes are naturally sweet and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re easy to throw in your bag and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Look for unsweetened dried fruit with no added sugar.
Yogurt or cottage cheese with granola and fruit. Bring a small container of yogurt, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt and top it with granola and your favorite fresh or frozen berries. The probiotics and protein in yogurt provide a good balance of nutrition. Look for plain yogurt with no added sugar and granola with minimal added sugar.
Hummus and veggie sticks. Hummus is a protein-packed dip made from chickpeas. Carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks pair well with hummus for a savory snack. You can also use other dips like guacamole or black bean dip.
Trail mix. Dried fruit, nuts, and seeds come together in a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Look for a trail mix with no artificial colors or flavors and minimal added sugar. Make your own to control what goes in.
