5 Smart Snacking Tips for Busy People
By Brandi Goodman
When you're constantly busy and on the go, it can be hard to find time for a smart snack. Many run through a fast food drive-thru to grab something unhealthy or pick up something from a vending machine. You can still snack well even at your busiest times with these smart snacking tips.
Meal Plan Your Snacks
Meal planning typically involves making all your meals ahead for the week and having them in separate containers ready to go. Meal plan your snacks in the same way. Make up several bags of homemade trail mix or put together a parfait, for example. You can quickly grab one or two of your premade snacks as you head out the door for the day, and know you have something nutritious to snack on instead of resorting to the alternative solutions while you're out.
Choose Protein Bars and Drinks
There are plenty of protein bars and drinks on the market that make for easy grab-and-go snacks. Find some with low sugar content and plenty of nutrients. Protein is necessary for keeping your body satisfied and feeling full for a few hours. Something with at least 10 grams is best -- though 20 or more would really hold you over well. Some SlimFast Meal Replacement Shakes offer 20 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar. You'll also get fiber, Vitamin D, iron, Vitamin A, and so much more.
Grab an Apple
"An apple per day keeps the doctor away" is a common saying for a reason. Apples are full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutritional benefits. Grab an apple to bring with you that you can munch on when you need a bite to eat. They're portable and don't spoil easily until after the skin is broken.
Check the Label
If you do choose to grab something while you're out instead, at least take a few seconds to check the label. There are nutrition facts shared on the back of almost all food items in a grocery store or on gas station shelves. Quickly look at the sugar and sodium if nothing else. If there are more than a few grams of sugar, skip it. Anything with more than 250 grams of sodium in one serving is also a bad idea.
Snack on Seeds or Nuts
Nuts and seeds both tend to offer healthy fats, protein, and important nutrients. You can find a bag easily at any gas station or grocery store checkout lane. Just be sure to find an unsalted version. Opt for lightly salted at the very least. Other versions have far too much sodium than your body needs from one snack.
No matter how busy you get, it's important to snack on healthy foods that can keep your body and mind fueled. Skip the fast food lines and vending machine garbage unless you know there are nutritional items available. Snack smartly with these smart snacking tips.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.