Grab and Go Healthy Snack Foods

Who says eating healthy has to be unappetizing?  Quick, healthy snacks and healthy eating habits during your day will be the extra fuel your body needs! It is important to eat snacks throughout the day. This will keep your metabolism high and prevent overeating at major meals. We should not rely solely on breakfast, lunch, and dinner to provide our bodies with nutrients. We should aim for six smaller meals or three medium size meals with snacks in-between.  Try some of these delicious snacks to keep your energy levels sustained throughout the day. Not only do you get to eat more often (who doesn’t like to eat?), but your body will start to crave food every 2-3 hours. This is a good thing! As long as your putting high performance fuel in your body, weight gain will not happen! We do not gain weight from eating healthy food; we gain weight from eating refined, over-processed, junk food with no nutritional value.

Have you tried eating carrots and celery, pepper strips, cucumber or any favorite raw veggie and team with natural peanut butter or hummus…they are easy to pack, nutritious and taste great! 

How about a handful of dried cranberries or raisons, chocked full of nutrients and a great “anytime” snack.   Pack an apple, a small orange, or a banana for a quick treat between classes….no prep at all! 

Don’t forget the whole grain snacks…whole-wheat crackers or whole wheat bread. Top with peanut butter and/or sugar reduced strawberry jam, banana and you will have a sweet treat!  Don’t forget the dairy…low fat yogurt topped with fresh fruit and homemade granola or dried fruits is yummy. Grab milk or a peace of cheese at the cafeteria for some extra calcium.

After school snack? Nuts, especially almonds, if not allergic to, are a great snack with omega 3s and are great brain enhancers, and another quick grab and go snack.  Mix with raisons and dried cranberries and you have a great trail mix. A half-cup is a filling snack!

These treats are just a few grab and go snacks, for the in between healthy meals. If anyone has any other suggestions for quick snacks, please feel free to share your ideas and I will post!