Does hunger ever strike when you are away from home thus causing anxiety? This may happen when you forget to pack a snack or two before heading out the door. So here you are away from home, hungry, and without any healthy food in your possession. Don’t let this happen to you. Prepare each day by toting nutritious snacks on-the-go. Below are 7 healthy easy snack ideas that will keep you sated while on-the-go without sabotaging your healthy eating resolve.
1. Apples & Almond Butter
Apples pack a heavy punch with fiber, carbohydrates and phyto-nutrients (phyto- = plant sourced) necessary to regulate metabolism and keep hunger at bay. Pair it with protein found in almond butter for a yummy mini-meal that will kill your hunger and energize your mind and body.
2. Carrots, Cheese & Celery
Sometimes all you need is a low calorie crunchy snack to remove the grumbling in your stomach without filling you up. Carrots, celery and cheese is the perfect snack in such instance. The veggies provide filling fiber and crunch while the cheese is the perfect salty, calcium-rich, fatty side-kick. Go for full-fat, organic when it comes to buying dairy for the most bang for your buck without the antibiotics and added chemicals detrimental to long-term health and wellness.
3. Canned Sardines & Olives
This is one of my favorites. What better way to slash hunger while getting a natural source of omega-3 essential fatty acid found in sardines. Omega-3 EFAs are vital for heart health, beautiful skin, fat loss, joint care, and a host of other things. Make sure the sardines are packed in water or olive oil and stay clear away from damaged oils such as cottonseed, safflower and soybean. Olives are packed with anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Not to mention they are amazing for satisfying cravings for salty foods. Sardines paired with olives are truly a fun, nutrient-packed snack.
4. Hard Boiled Egg
What can be easier than chomping on a boiled egg when hunger hits you at 3pm in the office? Eggs are something like a super-food: they are a source of protein and healthy saturated fat, and various micro-nutrients — all of which will keep you satisfied for hours on end. Choose pastured varieties for higher levels of omega-3 fats, more nutrients and for better taste. Can’t find pastured? Then go for organic.
5. Berries & Greek Yogurt
Berries & yogurt offer a sweet and tangy option. Berries are a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C and fiber. Greek yogurt is tends to have double the protein content compared to non-Greek yogurt. Go for darker colored berries such as blue- for higher phyto-nutrient content. Plain greek yogurt, blueberries, sprinkle of cinnamon & nutmeg makes a sinfully delicious snack. If you’re feeling a bit naughty, add a touch of raw honey. Missing that crunch factor? Then top with sliced almonds or pecans.
6. Nuts & Seeds
Nuts & seeds offer a portable easy way to get your protein, healthy fats, and minerals. In fact nuts & seeds contain a nearly complete array of vitamins and minerals. Almonds are chock-full of vitamin E; walnuts are touted for their omega-3 content; pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc while macadamia nuts (my favorite) have a remarkable monounsaturated fat profile – the type of fat rich in Mediterranean Italy — studies show people from this region tend to live long, healthy lives due to the way they eat.
7. Leftovers
And lastly, let’s not forget about leftovers! Make a few extra servings of dinner so that you can eat the leftovers as a snack then next day. Anything goes: baked chicken, grilled steak, and roasted cauliflower can make tasty quick snacks when in need. Leftovers can taste amazing even when cold, thus satisfying hunger in a delicious way.
I hope this curbs your need to buying that bag of potato chips or candy bar in the vending machine because you were hungry and there was nothing healthy to eat; no more excuses. Stay prepared and you will be less likely to succumb to the madness I call “I’m-hungry- but-there-is-nothing-healthy-to-eat” blues. Be well my friends.
Got an easy healthy snack idea? Share it in the comments.
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