Who doesn’t need an on-the-go snack with the busy schedules we keep these days? But easy and healthy, too? Sign me up!
These 15 snacks can fit in your purse, car, bag, or even hand while you are out and about. They will come in handy when you are needing a pick-me-up or something to tide you over until a meal.
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- Cheerios
Cheerios are a classic. Made with 100% whole grain oats and other simple ingredients, it is a healthy cereal choice. Portion out a serving size in a resealable bag for on-the-go or mix it with dried fruit for a homemade trail mix. The Cheerios brand can tout the “can help lower cholesterol” because of the fiber in the product; fiber naturally lowers cholesterol.
2. Packaged Baby Foods
I know what you’re thinking, and, yes, this is baby food, technically. But think about it… You would give this to your child for a snack, so why not give one to yourself? Not only are you modeling a healthy behavior of eating a healthy snack but you’re also getting in some fruits, veggies, or both along with your kiddo. Heck, I ate these before I had kids. It was so easy and convenient. Plus, I knew the ingredients were simply fruit or veggies and that’s it.
3. Freeze Dried Fruit
These pictured freeze dried fruits are already pre-portioned into their own serving size bag, which is a nice perk. You can buy freeze dried fruits in bulk and portion out per serving yourself, though. They are light, airy, and yummy. Small portions are key with this snack.
4. Bobo’s Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bars and Bites
There are many Bobo products and flavors but I stick to the lemon poppyseed bars or bites because it curbs my sweet tooth. Both of these products are chewy in texture and hold up well if crammed into a bag for an on-the-go snack. Furthermore, they are gluten free and dairy free; are very low sodium; and provide 3g protein and 2g fiber each.
5. Assorted Nuts
Try to choose no salt added nuts or buy each nut as a raw product and create your own mix. Nuts are a high calorie food due to the fat content. However, it is the good, healthy fat you want, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, versus the not so healthy saturated and trans fats. Nuts are satiating, nutrient-dense, and little goes a long way so stick to a 1/4 cup serving size.
6. Rice Rolls
These are extremely similar to rice cakes, I know. Give them a chance, though. They are crunchy and slightly sweet, so if I go for them if I am craving a sweet. They are made with brown rice or white rice. Plainer is better here.
7. Popcorn
I really enjoy some plain, air-popped popcorn! I like Skinny Pop and Healthy Pop popcorn brands because they offer a healthy product with 3 simple ingredients – popcorn, oil, and salt. That is in line with what I would make at home, if I had the time. Popcorn is a naturally low fat food and a low calorie food, if you stick to the serving size. The unflavored and no butter added products also contain a very low amount of sodium and no sugar.
8. Larabars
These bars are an absolute must as an on-the-run snack for me. They are quick, easy, and taste delicious. Plus, there are plenty of flavors to choose from, like my favorites: pineapple upside down cake, carrot cake, banana bread, and lemon. I recommend the ones that say “X number of real ingredients” to clients because you know exactly what is in each one, there’s nothing hidden or confusing on the label.
10. Pretzel Crisps
Great to have for a crunchy snack on the go that also pairs with dips well. I like to pre-portion my pretzel crisps by serving size into resealable bags and then grab a bag on my way out the door. It is some up front time to pre-sort them but worth it in the end. I also really enjoy mine with hummus.
11. Rice Cakes
I get the plain rice cakes for its simple ingredients and then dress it up myself at home. I don’t like the flavored ones with lots of ingredients. Think, simpler is better here. I like to top mine with fruit, peanut butter, avocado, yogurt, or whatever I’m feeling in the moment.
12. Rx Bars
Another transparent product, the Rx Bars have no BS. They include only the ingredients listed right on the front of the box. The bars are also marketed as a protein bar, with natural protein sources not proprietary blends. I will warn you that I thought they were a bit tough or chewy but definitely worth trying out.
13. That’s It Fruit Bars
If you ever had fruit leather, than you will enjoy this one. “That’s It” prides itself on being a brand that incorporates fruit and only fruit in its products. So, what you see is what you get! In a nutritious and enjoyable way 🙂
14. Homemade Trail Mix
There are many trail mix variations out there. So, one should not be bored with this homemade snack! Watch out for portion size (keep it small as a little goes a long way on calories and satiety, typically) and add-ins that are not nutrient-dense, like chocolate chips and candy pieces. The other nice thing about doing your own is that you can choose low sodium or no salt added ingredients as store-bought trail mixes can be high in sugar and sodium.
15. Homemade Energy Bars
Bars can be made in a plethora of ways and can provide lasting energy due to its ingredients. Nuts and seeds are nutritious and calorie-dense, so a little bit goes a long way. Dried fruit and a nut butter base lend to flavor and the capability of the goodness combining well. Make a large batch and freeze what you aren’t going to use immediately; it can defrost in your bag on your way to work, if needed.
Bonus: Fresh Fruit
Never underestimate the ability of fresh fruit to hold up in a bag, if protected. I have flung my fair share of apples into my backpack without any repercussions. However, I would advise putting grapes, peaches, pears, bananas, and the like into a storage container before hitting the road with them.
