Snacks That Go the Distance

Snacks That Go the Distance

Being health conscious and having a busy schedule can sometimes be complicated. Sometimes snacks and meals are pushed back and you and your family are left starving for the next bite to eat. There are some healthy, convenient items you can have on hand that can save you and your family from skipping meals and overeating at the next meal.

It is always encouraged to eat three meals a day. Aim to have the first meal within an hour of waking, and consume meals no more than four to five hours apart. If you go longer than four to five hours between meals, a healthy snack can come in handy.

The healthiest “to-go” foods are our fresh fruits and vegetables. Many people do not think of this as a first option. Many food items we find at convenience stores can be calorie and fat dense. Some of the convenience stores are now offering healthier options such as fruit and higher fiber granola bars. We have to start making better choices for our health by being prepared.

Some snacks may be low in calories, but lack in other essential nutrients. Some snacks do nothing to satisfy the appetite. What’s the point in saving a few calories just to be hungry fifteen minutes later? A combination of a good source of protein and added fiber can aid in keeping you and your family fuller until that next meal arrives.

Listed below are some items you may pack to save your health and wallet:

• Slices of fresh fruit and/or vegetables with peanut butter or other nut butters
• Slices of fresh vegetables, whole grain crackers or pita bread with hummus
• Low -fat or fat free yogurt mixed with fruit, walnuts , almonds and/or higher fiber cereals
• Healthy trail mix: unsweetened, dry cereal or low fat popcorn mixed with nuts and/or dried fruit (without added sugar)
• Low-fat or reduced fat cheese with a mixture of whole grain crackers, fresh fruit and/or vegetables
• Low- fat or fat free cottage cheese/ricotta cheese with sliced bananas or no sugar-added applesauce and cinnamon
• Granola bars that have a good source of fiber (3gms or more per serving) and protein (7gms or more per serving)

Some of these snacks can be prepared in snack bags for smarter and smaller portions. Others can be premade and stored in lunch containers with a freezer pack. When you prepare your snacks, you are able to control the ingredients and portions. Just remember, a handful of mixed nuts may be a great source of protein and unsaturated fat, but the whole container will only add more calories, which can lead to weight gain over time.

When purchasing ready-to-eat snacks, make sure you read the label. You want to aim for snacks that do not have any trans fat. Also remember that if a product is low fat or fat free, this does not mean it is sugar free or calorie free. By reading the nutrition information on the food label, you can be the judge of what will be healthy for you and your family.

Remember that snacking is a great way to maintain even energy levels and manage hunger and prevent bingeing. So, don’t starve yourself…enjoy a healthy snack!

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• Is Packing Your Child’s Lunch a Healthier Option?
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• 10 Quick & Easy After School Snacks
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