Snack Nutritious And Healthy When You’re On The Go
It’s impossible to eat a balanced and nutritious meal when we’re on the go. At best, we grab a snack to keep us going. But the problem is that most often, the snack is high on calories, low on nutrition, and just bad for our health. Here are several ideas for a healthy snack when you’re on the run.
Snack: Low Fat Yogurt Pops
To anticipate your hunger when you’re on the go, just plan ahead with low-fat frozen yogurt-fruit pops. In a blender, mix seasonal berries with the low-fat yogurt and a little milk. Pour the mixture into ice pop mold trays and freeze. Delicious!
Snack: Frozen Grapes
For a sweet treat, skip the ice cream. Instead, go for the frozen red seedless grapes. They contain high water and fiber and are filling.
Snack: Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a surprisingly delicious, protein-rich alternative to hitting the vending machines. To make them, simply preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Rinse, drain, and blot dry a 15.5-ounce can of chickpeas. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt, spread chickpeas on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Mama-Mia!
Snack: Microwave Popcorn
Microwave a 100-calorie pack of popcorn for each member of the family. Popcorn is high in fiber, and better for you than pretzels or potato chips because it’s a source of whole grains. says dietitian Blake. Bonus: The individual servings help provide portion control and control the calories.
Snack: Hummus with Carrots and Pita
Before you hit the road, plan ahead. Pack a small backpack with a container of hummus, a bag of baby carrots, and a package of whole wheat pitas. This terrific trio is hearty enough to serve as a light lunch and keep you going throughout the busy day.
Snack: Shelled Peanuts or Pistachios
For a classic treat anywhere, bring along a sack of peanuts or pistachios in their shells. Nuts are a great source of fiber, omega-3, and protein. In addition, they maintain your sugar level and prevent you from getting the “hungries”. Stick to 15-20 nuys at one eating to keep calories low.
Snack: Parmesan Pita Chips
Sometimes, nothing but a crispy chip will do. Pair homemade pita chips with sandwiches. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut 4 whole wheat pitas into wedges and toss with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil. Place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until light golden brown.
Tamari Almonds
Tired of plain almonds? Take tamari almonds along on your next trip. You’ll be in for a real treat. Tamari almonds are roasted in a mellow Japanese soy sauce. As with all nuts, you’ll need to watch your portion size: Stick to 15 or so (just under 3 tablespoons) to keep your snack in the 150-calorie range.
Snack: Whole Grain Cereal
Whole grain cereal is easy to pack. Even a frosted shredded wheat cereal works. Although it’s glazed with a bit of sugar, it’s got a lot more fiber and nutrition than your average cracker or cookie.
Snack: Dried Plums
Dried plums are known for their fiber, but they also make a sweet, antioxidant-packed snack on the go. Perfectly portable, they’re even available individually wrapped, which keeps them extra moist. Take some along when you’re planning a long day on the road. These chewy treats are a good source of vitamins A and B6.