5 Easy, Healthy and On-the-go Snacks

We’ve all been there - going from place to place only to find that you have no food to keep you going. Check out these 5 super easy snacks you can make ahead of time and bring with you to keep you fueled and satisfied!

I get it. You’re busy, you have to move from one thing to the next and sometimes eating foods that make you feel good can fall by the wayside. I’ve condensed all of my snack ideas to my most convenient, easiest and most satisfying foods yet. Each one of these snacks will provide you with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats and protein, keeping you fueled and ready to tackle your day! When you forget to eat, you can slow your metabolism and spike the stress hormone, which isn’t good for any of us! 

I like making these on Sunday before the week starts and putting them in containers I can grab when I’m in a rush. For the non-perishables, I keep them in my car in case I forget. This week, get your ingredients on your grocery run and set aside twenty minutes or so to make these tasty snacks that will keep your body happy throughout your week. 

Apples with cinnamon and peanut butter 

A twist on a classic! Just get 5 of your favorite apples from the store, use an apple cutter to slice and place in reusable sandwich bags. From here, squeeze a teaspoon or so of lemon juice to keep the apples from browning throughout the week. Cinnamon is an amazing spice for blood pressure, is loaded with antioxidants and can help with insulin resistance. You can sprinkle in as much or as little as you want for an extra metabolic lift as well as the added health benefits. Shake up the bag to mix and pack a tablespoon of peanut butter as a way to up your protein intake. This snack offers the nutrients you need to stay mentally sharp and fueled from the office to the gym. For a less sticky version you can always slice the apples when ready to eat and add the cinnamon to the peanut butter. 

Trailmix

Store bought trail mix is often sugar-laden and filled with gross additives. Also, when you make your own, you can make a ton to use for weeks. You don’t have to bake trail mix either, making it super quick to throw together. You can customize this too for what is best for your body and nutrient needs. I always start with nuts for protein. Whatever you choose, you can use it as a base for the rest of your ingredients. Then pick a dried fruit with no added sugars or reduced sugar content. Possible additions can be dried coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, rolled oats or other ingredients you love. When you combine nutrient dense foods like these, your body will feel as refreshed as it does after your morning coffee. Pack into bags, store in your car or your purse and you’re good to go!  

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Probably one of the simplest snacks, hard-boiled eggs can keep you full for hours. On Sunday night, heat heavily salted water and boil free-range eggs for about 8 minutes. Place them immediately in ice water to make for easier shell-peeling. If you don’t want to take the time to boil and peel the eggs, I buy the pre-peeled 6-pack of organic hard-boiled eggs from either Fresh Thyme or Trader Joe’s. Put two in as many containers as you need and place towards the front of your fridge so you don’t leave them behind in a rush. If you don’t use them for snacks, you can cut them up to add protein to a salad! 

Greek Yogurt Parfait

These don’t have to be neatly separated layer by layer, but they can be if you like them that way. Berries are loaded with antioxidants and catechins that keep your system strong. Pick up blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or whichever berries you like best! These will naturally sweeten your yogurt so you don’t need to buy the super-sweet greek variety. Greek yogurt has extra protein and, if you add granola, shouldn’t need extra sweetening. If I use granola, I’ll buy a paleo version and keep it grain free. Toss all ingredients into a to-go container and have it ready for when you’re moving from one thing to the next! 

Turkey Roll-ups

Buy your favorite cold cut of turkey from the deli, preferably the low-sodium and organic variety. Then, pick up a slice of cheese that you like best. From here, it’s pretty simple. Put the cheese on top of the turkey, add spinach or arugula, and roll into a portable form. Use a toothpick to hold them together and pack a few into a portable container. You’ll be filled with protein, without excess carbs, and get a dose of veggies to keep your nutrient intake high! 

I know that eating healthy when you’re super busy isn’t the easiest thing. But, when you take the time to prioritize your health and wellbeing, you can effectively plan and use easy ways to take care of yourself. Planning out your snacks is a form of self-care that will serve you in your daily life. By carving out time to eat and fuel your body properly, you can effectively honor your body and give it thanks for all that it does for you.