When you are out on the town and hunger strikes, you might be tempted to grab a bite from a nearby street vendor. Much of the food sold on the street is high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugar, but there are a few relatively healthy options. To keep hunger at bay, focus on foods with both protein and fiber.
Meat and Other Protein Foods
Popular options on the street include beef or chicken tacos, meat on skewers or sandwiches of various types. If you choose one of these foods, it is best to stick with poultry instead of beef, to avoid unwanted saturated fat, which increases levels of "bad" cholesterol. Another option is falafel, which contains protein and a small amount of fiber. Both protein and fiber slow the emptying of food from the stomach, providing a feeling of fullness.
Pretzels and Nuts
Some pretzels may break the calorie bank, so a good option is to share one with a friend. One Sheetz Soft Pretzel, for example, contains 470 calories. Nuts are one of the healthiest choices you can make on the street, as they contain both protein and fiber. To keep the caloric content as low as possible, stick to dry-roasted nuts instead of those bathed in sugar or oil. Some healthy choices are almonds, peanuts and cashews.
Fruits and Vegetables
If you are lucky enough to encounter a fruit and vegetable stand on the street, this is a very healthy option. Fruit and vegetables are naturally low in calories and high in fiber and water, helping to keep you satisfied and to keep your weight under control. Bagged baby carrots are an easy-to-eat option and contain vitamins A and C, fiber and potassium.
Sweets
Sweet foods, such as donuts, cookies and other pastries, are generally not healthy options, as they usually contain large amounts of added sugar, saturated fat and little to no fiber. The healthiest options in this group are foods that are relatively low in sugar and saturated fat and contain some fiber, such as some brands of oatmeal cookies and Fig Newtons. Focus on foods that contain whole grains and dried fruit when available.
References
- American Heart Association; Know Your Fats
- LIVESTRONG.COM: MyPlate: Falafel Wrap
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Protein, Weight Management, and Satiety; Douglas Paddon-Jones et al.; May 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet
- LIVESTRONG.COM: MyPlate: Sheetz Soft Pretzel
- LIVESTRONG.COM: MyPlate: Carrots
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