Daily Health

by Valerie Morrison

We all have busy lives and are constantly on the go! It’s important for our health, energy level, and mood to reach for healthy snacks when fighting hunger. We have realized that a snickers bar might curb your hunger for a bit but the over processed sugar bar is sure to make you crash once the sugar rush comes to an end. Sometimes the healthy choice is not the most convenient if you are on the go, but with a little planning you can have an easy healthy snack on hand any time.

First there are several boxes to check when considering a healthy snack. The first is to make sure that you are not consuming sugar laden items. Not only does sugar make us have a feel sluggish after the crash, it provides zero nutritional value. Second, grab a snack high in protein and fiber. Protein is essential to help build, repair, and oxygenate our bodies. Fiber will satisfy your hunger until your next meal. Lastly, make sure that you are reading the ingredients and that they are “real food”.

Here are 5 healthy snack to pack on the go (grab a small cooler and an ice pack):
- Fruit/veggies and Peanut Butter - Apples, bananas, strawberries or celery and any natural peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter is a perfect snack that packs a powerful protein punch.
- Nuts - When eaten sensibly, nuts can be a great snack. They are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Trail mix is a great snack especially when mixed with dried fruits. Just watch out for the unhealthy trail mixes that are 50% chocolate.
- Chick Peas - Any way you like them! When I think of chick peas, hummus always comes to mind. After all hummus and veggies, pita bread, or crackers can make the most delicious, healthy and filling snack. Another way, and one of my favorites ;) is roasted chick peas. One cup alone has 50 grams of protein. They are also high in fiber and carbs!
- Protein shakes - Protein shakes can be a healthy and delicious snack, but not all protein shakes are created equal so choose wisely. Many often have additives, are over processed, and high in sugar. Ground-Based Nutrition’s Superfood Protein is plant-based, vegan, has zero sugars and has 20 grams of protein per serving!
- Protein bars - Protein bars have been around for quite a while now. However the protein bar game is changing and some protein bars are packed with healthy ingredients like nuts, eggs, dried fruit, seeds, and sometimes dark chocolate. Check the label for real ingredients and ones that are high in fiber and protein!