How many times have you been out and about when the hunger pangs strike and you don’t have a healthy snack readily available? Avoid the situation of reaching for unhealthy foods when hunger strikes by keeping a supply of healthy snacks in your handbag. By keeping something in your handbag at all times – even if you are not hungry, you will be well prepared when the cravings hit.
Healthy snack foods between meals keep your energy levels going throughout the day. A healthy snack is one that leaves a feeling of satiation. It will also help you to avoid weight gain as you are choosing a nutritious food instead of a high sugar/high fat processed alternative. Try to eat a healthy snack between breakfast and lunch (around 10am) and between lunch and dinner (around 3pm). These times will of course vary depending on your own personal routines.
Keep a healthy snacks list pinned inside your kitchen cupboard as an easy reference and reminder for some healthy snack choices. This works so well for me as it takes the hard work out of trying to think of a healthy snack. You can remove the temptation to reach for unhealthy food options by stocking up on healthy snacks when you do your regular supermarket shop. There really is no excuse not to keep that nutritious snack supply replenished in your handbag.
Here are 10 healthy snack ideas for your handbag:
1. Almonds
Odorless and compact, a handful of almonds a few times a week are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins and essential minerals. Store in a small plastic bag or container to keep them fresh all week. Walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts are all healthy nut alternatives for your handbag.
2. Bananas
Bananas are a terrific “on the go” snack as they come in their own protective cover so they don’t require washing. Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, manganese and vitamin B6. I use a fabulous banana protector to stop my bananas spoiling and turning black in my bag.
3. Round rice biscuits
Low fat and crunchy, the healthy potato chip alternative.
4. Cherry Tomatoes
A handful of sweet cherry tomatoes kept in a small container can be a refreshing snack that gives you a huge burst of flavor as you bite into them. Cherry tomatoes are low in sodium, and very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are also a good source of Vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese.
5. Rice cakes
Spread with a smear of your favorite spread between two rice cakes. These are a healthy, portable sandwich alternative.
6. Dried fruit
Long lasting, dried fruit is a great snack to curb those hunger pangs. Eat just a few as they are high in natural sugars. Try dried apricots, sultanas, prunes, apples, figs, dates and pears.
7. Grapes
Choose crunchy fresh red or green seedless grapes bursting with flavor. Fresh grapes are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are also a very good source of vitamin C and vitamin K.
8. Popcorn
Easy to make in the microwave, choose the low fat, low salt popcorn options. Take a small bag for yourself and leave the rest for the children’s afternoon tea. Popcorn contains more protein than any other cereal and more iron than eggs, peanuts, spinach, or roast beef!
9. Celery, carrot and cucumber
Keep a supply chopped up and in your fridge in small containers so that you can easily pop it into your handbag. These vegetables are extremely low in fat and help you eat your 5 servings a day.
10. Fresh fruit
Nothing beats a piece of fresh fruit. Some fruits are easier that others to transport and eat on the run such as apples and mandarins, so either leave the messy ones for home or cut the fruit up and take it with you in a small container.
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