Whether you are always on the move for work, driving, shopping or running errands, a growling stomach can sometimes hit suddenly. When you are out and about and get hungry, you may be tempted to hit the drive-through window for a burger or fries. You can avoid this by packing a snack that is rich in nutrients. Choosing a healthy, portable snack will give you the food you need to satisfy your hunger and hold you over until meal time.
Nuts
Nuts are one of the healthiest snack choices you can make. They are loaded with antioxidants, healthy minerals and vitamins. Nuts are also full of the good fats that reduce hypertension and cholesterol, making them a healthy option for your heart. Nuts also work to strengthen your nervous and immune systems. Nuts are a high calorie food, so moderation is important. The protein found in peanuts, walnuts, pecans and almonds help you feel full. Select nuts that are unsalted.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruits, such as raisins and cranberries, give your diet a healthy shot of dietary fiber. They are also packed with potassium, which is effective in keeping your blood pressure under control. Dried fruit is also a good option if your favorite fruits are seasonal, as they may not be available to you all year. Since dried fruit is concentrated, it does contain more calories than fresh fruit, so be careful how much you eat. As a general rule, a ½ cup serving of dried fruit is the equivalent of 1 full cup of the fresh variety.
Low Fat Yogurt
Low fat yogurt is easily portable, so you can eat it pretty much anywhere. It is rich in both potassium and calcium, each of which is beneficial for your overall health. In fact, an 8-oz. serving of plain yogurt provides you with about 15 percent of the potassium you need for the day and over 45 percent of the recommended calcium intake. To nearly double the amount of potassium you take in with your snack, enjoy a medium banana with your yogurt.
String Cheese
String cheese is a very convenient snack option. Due to the small size of string cheese, you can easily carry it with you and eat it at your desk, in your car or wherever you need a snack. It is also extremely filling and easy to eat. If you are the type who likes to tear off the strings of cheese, it can also take a while to eat, allowing your brain to receive the signals that it isn't hungry anymore by the time you are done. It's also a great source of calcium.
Member Comments