It is often challenging to find healthy snack options while you are on the go because most fast food restaurants do not include many nutritious foods on their menus. Preparing snacks to take with you is one way to overcome this obstacle. Homemade snacks are often more nutritious because you control what ingredients they contain, and having them ready to eat can help you make healthy food choices when hunger strikes.
Baked Apple Chips
If you enjoy a crunchy snack, baked apple chips are a healthy option that can replace higher fat and calorie potato or tortilla chips. Using apples to make homemade chips will also supply you with fiber and vitamin C from your snack. Cut several apples into thin slices and toss with 2 tbsp. of sugar and 1 tbsp. of ground cinnamon. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 2 hours at 250 degrees F until they are crispy. Apple pie spice can replace the cinnamon for a different taste.
Customized Trail Mix
Making trail mix is a simple homemade snack that can provide fiber and protein, as well as small amounts of some vitamins and minerals. Set out a variety of different ingredients and encourage each family member to create his own mix. Supply whole grain dry cereals and a variety of different kinds of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts and cashews. Dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, will boost your intake of vitamin C and fiber. Stick pretzels and bagel chips are additional options.
Fruit Sandwich
Fresh fruit is always a nutritious snack option, and supplies nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. You can also use your favorite fruits to create protein-packed sandwiches that also add a bit of fiber to your snack, particularly if you choose whole grain bread as your base. Reduced-fat cream cheese with strawberry slices is one filling option. Nut butter, such as peanut or almond, with sliced bananas or apples is another healthy choice. Cottage cheese and berries or melon will also supply several nutrients.
Cracker Sandwiches
Crackers can be the base for a nutritious snack and are easy to prepare ahead of time and take with you on the go. Choose whole grain crackers because they are higher in fiber. Read the ingredient labels and select a type of cracker that does not contain partially hydrogenated oils, which are unhealthy fats. Spread one cracker with reduced-fat cream cheese and top with a tomato slice, a cucumber slice and sprinkle with black pepper -- then place another cracker on top for a cracker sandwich. Peanut butter and honey is another filling idea that supplies some protein.
References
- "100-Calorie Snack Cookbook"; Sally Sampson and Kathy McManus; 2009
- "The Good-to-Go Cookbook"; Kathleen Cannata Hanna; 2008
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