When it comes to eating healthy, we’d love to say that we prep all our meals, pack our own lunches and regularly eat homemade meals on weeknights. But let’s be honest, we’re busy. And given our hectic schedules, it often means grabbing whatever is handy and eating it on the go.
So, let’s make the most of it! Whether you’re ready to hit the trail or simply need a snack to keep hunger pangs at bay during work, we’ve got you covered. Find a tasty selection of treats to buy or make that will keep you satisfied and on track all day long.
SNACKS YOU CAN BUY
Seaweed
This snack is anything but new (pretty sure seaweed has been edible for millennia by now), but the advent of snackable seaweed certainly is. Thanks to brands like SeaSnax or even Trader Joe’s, you can pick up a single-serving container in nearly every major grocery store. It’s lightweight, crunchy and strangely addictive. It may take a few tries to get used to, but at 15-20 calories per serving, this snack is definitely worth keeping around when the munchies strike. Plus, each serving is loaded with minerals — most prominently calcium, copper, iodine and iron — as well as protein, fiber and vitamins.
Protein Bars
Protein bars have long been the staple for busy-yet-health-conscious people on the go. However, given the new(ish) research about the dangers of sugar and how much of it is hiding in our food, it’s no surprise that typical protein bars pack little more nutritional punch than your garden variety candy bar. But now, thanks to new brands like Rx or Perfect, protein bars are finally getting the nutritional makeover they deserve.
- Rx Bars are famous for the packaging, which outlines exactly what you can find in each bar: egg whites, dates, nuts and maybe cacao. According to the brand, “What you see is what you eat.” That also means that what you don’t see — things like added sugar, dairy, soy and gluten — are never part of the ingredient list.
- Perfect Bars’ claim to fame is for creating a bar so fresh it needs to be refrigerated. (It is also fine at room temp for up to a week.) The ingredient list is simple, clean and provides a mega dose of protein plus 20+ other superfoods. We want as many people to enjoy our bars as possible, which means we are committed to remaining gluten free.
Crunchy Chickpeas
Love the crunch but not the carbs? Chickpeas to the rescue! By roasting and seasoning this protein powerhouse, you can achieve a delicate, crispy snack that resembles even the most decadent potato chip at a fraction of the nutritional damage. Thrive Market carries at least three brands with varying flavors — from Korean BBQ to Sambal Spice — so you can satisfy any crunchy craving you have.
Nuts & Seeds
In the world of nuts and seeds, the options are endless: peanuts, pistachios, cashews, almonds and more. Lucky for you, nuts are a staple at every grocery and convenience store in the country. Find them in any bulk section and go nuts (literally). You can get a hearty dose of healthy fat and protein on the go no matter where you are. And if you’re allergic to nuts, there’s always the trusty fallback of sunflower seeds.
Just remember to read the ingredients first. If possible, choose an option with low added salt and no added sugar. Trust us, nuts are naturally delicious. You won’t miss all the extra not-so-good-for-you stuff. As with any snack, portion control is key. Nuts may be healthy, but they’re not a low-calorie food. It’s easy to overdo it. Try pouring a bit in your hand and putting the bag away before chowing down.
Updated Dippables
Feeling nostalgic? Try a revamped (aka healthy) take on an old classic from Justin’s. It’s just like Dunk-a-Roos™, but swapping the sugar for heart-healthy almond butter. Keep one in your backpack or desk drawer for a quick fix of creamy, crunchy and totally delicious. It’s like reliving fourth grade all over again — the grown up way.
SNACKS YOU CAN MAKE
We’re not saying you need to make everything from scratch. But sometimes it’s nice to know exactly what’s in your snacks because you’re the one who put it there. Here’s a list of our go-to snacks that are easy to make, and full of nutritious and simple ingredients.
BYO (Bake Your Own) Root Veggie Chips
Potato chips are among the most crunchable, tasty and impossible-to-quit snacks of all time. With a little flourish a la Salt Bae, you can use root veggies to replicate that irresistible crunch while sneaking extra nutrients into your diet. Plus, if the latest cauliflower craze teaches us anything, it’s that any vegetable can masquerade as junk food if it tries hard and believes in itself. Try subbing carrots, beets, turnips or squash. Use a mandoline to slice your veggies extra thin. Roast at 375º for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!
Popsicles
Nothing beats the summer heat like an ice cold popsicle. Especially when you know it’s full of feel-good fruits and protein-packed greek yogurt. Homemade popsicles need no recipe. Blend your fruit of choice with a scoop of yogurt and fill your molds. Pop one open whenever the mood strikes.
Turmeric-Roasted Cashews With Chia
This feel-good snack checks all the boxes: gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free and dairy-free. You certainly don’t need to eat this way all the time, but for a quick midday pick-me-up, it’s nice to know you’re grabbing something nourishing. Plus, you can never go wrong with the superfood combo of turmeric and chia. These bites are perfect as a standalone snack but work equally well as a salad or soup topper. Just combine, stir, roast and eat! It’s as simple as that.
Trail Mix Cookies
In dire need of a chocolate fix and energy boost? These raw, vegan “cookies” are perfect as either a post-dinner dessert or pre-workout fuel. Whip up a batch to keep in the freezer so you can grab one on your way out the door. The sweetness comes from all-natural dates and cranberries. The crunch comes from pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and nuts. The combination is equal parts indulgent and invigorating. Your food processor just became your best friend.
Skinny Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Sometimes you just need a baked good and no other snack will do. We get it. Been there, done eaten that. These little morsels offer just the right amount of sinful deliciousness without derailing your health and fitness goals. In fact, they are THE most popular muffin on Pinterest. Ever. The ingredient list is clean and simple. You probably already have most of the items in your fridge or pantry! And if bananas aren’t really your thing, try this similar pumpkin version to get you ready for sweater weather.
What are your go-to snacks? We can never get enough of the sweet, salty, crunchy and chewy flavors, so share your favorite recipes with us! Like we always say, there’s no such thing as too many snacks.
