Healthy Snack Options

There are many quick and easy snacking options out there which honestly do not have our best interest in mind. It may be easier to pull a bag of chips out of the cupboard than to slice and dice some fresh fruits or vegetables, but the potato chips are going to do nothing for your health. Many people do not really realize how many healthy snack options are available to them, because chips and crackers just seem so much easier. Next time you are at the supermarket, prepare to stock your kitchen with some of these healthy snack choices instead, and your body will surely thank you!

Pre-Cut and Pre-Washed Fruits and Vegetables: Many supermarkets offer vegetables and fruits which have already been washed and cut up, and which are typically suspended in water to keep them fresh. Not only are these fruits and vegetables a healthy snack option, they are quick, easy and portable which makes them a great option for on-the-run snacking as well. Many fresh fruits are portable on their own, so if you decide not to opt for the pre-cut and washed stuff, grab a couple of bananas, apples or oranges, which are quick and delicious snacks which are jam packed with health benefits.

Cups: Many healthy snacks come in portable little cups, which you can take anywhere, or stock up in your home refrigerator. Yogurt cups come in many different sizes, and you can opt for low or non fat options for an even healthier snack, without losing any of the sweet flavors. If you do not have enough time for a yogurt cup, consider a yogurt smoothie which is available in many different brands and flavors, and makes having some yogurt a deliciously drinkable experience. Fruit is often available in pre-packaged cups as well, and though these typically have slightly higher sugar content than the fresh stuff, the portability of these little fruit cups more than makes up for it.

Cheese: Many companies now offer a variety of different cheeses for snacking, which typically means that they are pre-packaged to be smaller and more portable, or that the pieces are diced up for easy eating. Opt for low fat string cheese or slices for a quick but filling snack and a really nice calcium boost.

Fruit Drinks: There are a lot of fruit drink options out there, but not all are on equal footing when it comes to health benefits. Pass up the Gatorade for a Naked, or Odwalla, which are packed with fresh fruits and vegetables with extra nutrients added. For a boost in antioxidants, try POM Green Tea. Typically fruit drinks like your average bottled juice brand are actually fairly loaded with sugar, so go for the vitamin-packed power drinks instead. Most Naked and Odwalla juice drinks come with a serious boost of nutrients and minerals which may be just what you need after a long day, or for an early morning kick. Drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde are still popular and easily portable, but their sugar content tends to dehydrate rather than hydrate, something that you will not experience with a more natural fruit and vegetable juice.