Healthy Snacks On The Go
Smart Snacking 101
Most of us blame a lack of time and energy for eating an unhealthy diet. Maybe if we took the time to prepare a few more healthy items, we would have more energy to get things done, and feel like we actually had more time. It’s a circle, isn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be a circle, there are so many healthy foods that are now packaged to go for busy people like yourself. But if you need ideas here are some simple healthy foods to go.
A fruit smoothie is a great idea for breakfast or a pick me up any time of day. Fresh fruit is great, but frozen fruit works too. Your favorite fruit juice, almond or soy milk is good, or a couple of tablespoons of yogurt. Very simply get out your blender, combine any diced fruit with your liquid, blend and drink. Fruit ideas that work well for smoothies are bananas, peaches, pineapples, mangos, berries and apricots. Orange, pineapple, cherry or mixed fruit juices can be used as well. Other liquids that can be thrown in are any favorite milk, juice or yogurt products. Additional items to add to your smoothie mix are raisins, nuts, or protein powders. Pick your favorite items and enjoy.
Stewed fruit is a unique idea. Prepare it over the weekend and keep it in the refrigerator to grab and go during the week. Start with three apples and a pear. Cut into a sauce pan and add dried fruit, like raisins, dates or apricots. Add about ¼ cup of apple juice or water and simmer on low heat until tender. To sweeten, add a tablespoon of sugar, honey or agave. A pinch of cinnamon or powdered ginger will change the flavor as well. Spoon onto hot or cold cereal or eat with yogurt or cottage cheese if you like.
Keep your favorite berries in the freezer. Put the amount you want to eat the next day in a bowl in the refrigerator over night. A sweet snack idea is to put grapes in the freezer and take out to eat frozen for a late night healthy snack.
There are many natural foods you can put in a baggie and take with you anywhere. Almond, walnut and pecan nuts are easy, healthy and take no preparation time. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or banana chips are ready to eat, along with whole grain pretzels or baked chips. Fig bars, animal crackers, oatmeal cookies and graham crackers fit nicely in a baggie.
If you need more than a snack to go, sandwiches are always popular. Egg sandwiches are great. Use whole grain bread with lean meats, cheese or nut butters. If you are wheat intolerant, there are sprouted breads, brown rice breads, Ezekiel breads, as well as breads made from quinoa.
String cheese is a great cheese to go. Popcorn is a major favorite. If you are concerned about chemicals, always pop popcorn yourself, on the stove. This way, you can add your own seasonings, like powdered cheese, pepper, cinnamon and sugar, or other flavors you love.
You can’t go wrong with raw vegetables. Carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, peppers, cucumbers and grape or cherry tomatoes are yummy and easy to snack on. Squeezable yogurt or applesauce is convenient, along with beef or turkey jerky.
