Looking for some convenient and nutritious snack options for your on-the-go schedule? I've got you covered!
In today's busy world, snacking during the day can offer numerous benefits. It provides you with energy, mood balance, and brain fuel during stressful and long work or school days. Snacking can also help prevent excess hunger and overconsumption during lunch or dinner due to long gaps between meals. If you experience midday headaches or sluggishness, remember to check the last time you ate or hydrated with water.
Choosing snacks that contain a combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats is a great pick. These nutrients help with appetite control, blood sugar regulation, and energy balance, keeping you powered through the day.
Check out my suggestions below for convenient and nutritious on-the-go snacks!
1. Flavored Popcorn
Who doesn't love popcorn? It's definitely one of my favorite easy snacks to pack. Not only is popcorn a whole grain, but it also boasts great fiber and protein content. For a midday munch, I like to take a handful of plain air-popped popcorn and sprinkle it with various seasonings.
My favorite snack: Pop some organic sprouted kernels on the stove with a hint of avocado oil. Once they’re all popped and ready, I dust them with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, or drizzle a bit of nut butter for a richer taste. For those who are always on the move, you can pre-pack this goodness into snack-sized baggies. Perfect for a quick, convenient munch whenever hunger strikes.
2. Homemade Trail Mix
Looking for the perfect snack mix? A wholesome mix of unsalted nuts, unsweetened coconut flakes, whole grain cereal, cacao nibs, or dark chocolate chips paired with dried fruit is the way to go. One of my favorite quick combos includes unsalted almonds, walnuts, coconut flakes, and dried figs or apricots.
Simply portion a quarter cup of this mix into small snack-sized bags and place them in a basket on your kitchen counter. This setup ensures you have a convenient, pre-portioned grab-and-go snack ready at all times.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
One of my favorite go-to snacks is oven-roasted garbanzo beans. I start by rinsing a can of garbanzo beans, then tossing them with olive oil and a mixture of spices before roasting them until they're golden brown and crispy.
I love homemade roasted chickpeas because I get to experiment with different flavors every time. Some of my favorite combinations include Italian herbs and minced garlic, as well as a South Asian spice mix with cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder. You can also try other options like Mexican, Asian, or Mediterranean spices and flavors.
This fiber and protein-rich snack can be easily pre-portioned into snack-sized baggies or containers, making it a convenient and delicious option for any time of the day.
4. No Bake Energy Cookies
This snack option is fun, convenient, and nutrient packed. You can combine ingredients such as toasted oats, nut butter, nuts, dried fruit, protein powder, seeds like chia or ground flax, and shape them into mini balls or patties.
These energy bites can be kept chilled in the refrigerator for an easy grab-n-go snack. They can provide a great dose of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a perfect choice for a quick energy boost.
Check out my recipe for No-Bake Power Bites and enjoy a tasty, nutritious snack anytime!
5. Veggies n' Dip
Veggies and dip—truly a match made in snack heaven! I can't get enough of my favorite produce, like mini bell peppers, mini cucumbers, sliced carrots, and grape tomatoes. Not only are they bursting with fiber, but they're also loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C.
My go-to dips for these crunchy delights are hummus, guacamole, and a homemade yogurt and herb dip. The water content in the veggies, combined with the fiber, makes this snack super satisfying between meals.
So, the next time you're craving a tasty and nutritious snack, grab some veggies and your favorite dip for a deliciously healthy treat!
6. Yogurt and Granola
Plain, low-fat, or Greek style dairy or dairy-free yogurt topped with granola can be a satiating snack choice.Personally, I love pairing unsweetened Icelandic or Greek-style yogurt, which offers higher protein and less added sugar per serving, with my homemade No-Bake Strawberry Granola recipe.
This fabulous snack duo not only tastes amazing but also provides a dose of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to fuel your day.
7. Nut or Seed Butter with Crackers
Healthy fats and fiber are key to keep you satisfied and fueled till your next meal. I recommend pairing 1-2 tablespoons or a small snack packet of unsweetened peanut, nut, or seed butter with a serving of multigrain crackers, multi-seed crackers, or mini brown rice cakes/crackers.
Currently, I’ve been enjoying flaxseed crackers with unsweetened peanut butter as my go-to afternoon snack. This combo provides a great balance of nutrients, keeping you energized and ready to tackle the rest of your day. Happy snacking!
8. Mini Tortilla Pinwheels
This snack is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect to take with you to work. I love taking a small whole wheat or sprouted grain tortilla, filling it with savory or sweet ingredients, rolling it into a burrito shape, and slicing it into pinwheel-like rolls.
Personally, I enjoy spreading peanut butter and banana slices into the tortilla or making a simple hummus and cucumber combo. These pinwheels are not only wholesome but also a fun snack to enjoy anytime. Happy snacking!
9. Veggie Chips
Here’s another simple, portable, and enjoyable snack that’ll keep you energized midday: oven-roasted or air-fried veggie chips! Not only do they provide a healthy dose of veggies, but they also taste delicious. Nutrient-dense options like beetroot, zucchini, sweet potatoes, radish, and even eggplant are perfect for this snack.
Here's how to make them: thinly slice each veggie, lightly spray with oil, and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Oven roast or air fry until lightly crisp, keeping an eye on the chips to ensure they don't burn.Check out my Kale Chips recipe!
10. Mini Skewer Bites
If you're searching for another minimal effort snack, this is the one to choose. Simply take a toothpick and stack a combo of ingredients. My usual picks include a stack of grapes, strawberries, and cheese. I also love a combo of grape tomatoes with mozzarella cheese and kalamata olives, or small pieces of deli turkey.
These ingredients are part of my grocery staples, so it's never a hassle to pull this snack together at the last minute. It's a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a healthy snack!
So, to save yourself from munching on unsatisfying snacks or dealing with hunger pangs during a busy workday, pack one of these convenient choices to fuel your day! Whether it's a delicious pinwheel, roasted veggie chips, energy bites, or a simple stack of fruits and cheese, these snacks will keep you satisfied and energized.
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