Healthy Snacks Ideas for Busy People
Whether you need a snack at work or something to grab between running errands, here are some simple, quick snack ideas that you can grab easily and that hold up well over long periods of time.
Fruit
Of course, first on the list is fruit! Whichever fruits are your favorites should serve you well. I find that there are some fruits that are more portable and hold up better over time if you have to pack them for later. These include apples, bananas, clementines, and grapes.
String Cheese
Easy and filling! Pack a string cheese with a serving of your favorite crackers and you have a hearty snack that is high in calcium and protein.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Eggs are a great choice because they are easy to prep ahead and travel well. They also have a good amount of protein, which will help you feel fuller for longer.
Nuts and Trail Mix
Not all trail mixes are created equal. If you’re going to go for a premade version, make sure to check the ingredients to select the healthiest choice. Double check that it doesn’t have too much added sugar, oil, or salt.
Of course, the best way to ensure it’s healthy and has a good blend of protein, healthy fat, and carbs is to make it yourself. Here’s my go-to basic recipe that you can easily tailor for yourself:
Raw nuts (Examples: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews)
No-sugar added dried fruit (Examples: raisins, cherries, apricots, mango)
Seeds (Examples: pumpkin, sunflower)
Something Fun (Examples: dark chocolate, pretzels, coconuts flakes, popcorn)
Make a huge batch of it and then pack a serving of it for yourself for a great snack.
Popcorn
If you love to snack on chips, popcorn is a great alternative. Popcorn is typically lower in calories and higher in fiber. It’s even better if you can pop your own so you can control or even eliminate the butter. Instead, try using olive oil spray and lightly sprinkle with salt.
Veggies with Hummus
Hummus is a versatile and delicious dip that will help keep you full between meals. Pick your favorite vegetables, like celery, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, etc. to dip with it!
Homemade Energy Balls
Make your own energy balls with some oats, nut butter, sweetener of your choice, and any other add ins you prefer. Prepare a bunch in advance and enjoy them all week! Here’s a quick basic recipe that you can tweak to your liking:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup of peanut butter (or other nut butter)
¼ cup honey (or sweetener of your choice)
Put in your favorite add-ins like ground flax seed, dark chocolate chips, coconut, or dried fruit.
What are some of your favorite snacks? Let us know in the comments below!