One of the best ways to keep from over-eating or making poor food choices is to have healthy convenient snacks so you don’t let yourself get too hungry. Snacks are a great way to satisfy hunger, keep your energy level up and your mind alert. To keep healthy energy levels going, look for foods that contain complex carbohydrates like whole grains and combine them with a protein such as peanut butter, or low-fat cheese. Prepare and keep snacks handy and available. Prepare healthy snacks in advance so you can easily take them on-the-go.
Cut up fruits, melons and veggies like carrots, peppers and cucumbers in serving bags so they are ready to grab and go.
Keep snacks in the car. Some suggestions that keep well in the armrest are nuts, animal crackers, and whole-wheat pretzels. Have break bites in your desk drawer at the office.
Canned fruit in light syrup, whole fruits like apples, melba toast, rice cakes, trail mix, dry cereal, soy chips, instant oatmeal, microwave popcorn, and low sodium broth based soups.
More Grab-and-Go Goodies to prepare for the office mini-fridge include: Hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, hummus and pita, reduced fat pudding and low or no fat yogurt.
Don’t find yourself at the mercy of vending machines, convenience stores and drive thru’s - take your healthy snacks with you. Make portable snacks you like so they don’t go uneaten and keep it interesting to avoid boredom. Exchange ideas and favorite healthy snacking ideas with others and you may find your new favorite snack from a new suggestion.
"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." Carl Sagan