Let’s talk snacks! Now that Spring is here you may be finding yourself spending more time outdoors and on the go. Sunny days, blooming flowers and spring sports are a few reasons why now is the perfect time to lace up your sneakers and head outdoors. In addition to making sure you stay hydrated you also want to be sure that you stay nourished with healthy foods that can be easily accessed while you are out. Let’s talk snacks and what makes a good snack.
A good snack should provide nutrition, satisfaction and convenience. Snacks typically should have a combination of two of the following: protein, fiber and/or healthy fats. This will help to sustain energy and control hunger between meals.
To have a better idea when preparing your snack keep in mind that protein is crucial for staying full. Beans, nuts, and lean meats are all great sources of protein. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and aids in digestion and in feeling satisfied. Healthy fats are found in nuts, seeds and avocados and help sustain energy. Pairing a healthy, high fiber carb with a protein or fat will keep you full longer in between meals.
Road Trip Snacks
What better way to see new surroundings than with a road trip. It doesn’t have to be a long road trip just something to get you out and explore. The best snacks to pack for a road trip are ones that are not messy, easy to eat and provide energy. Great options are string cheese, nut mixes, apples and peanut butter, granola bars and yogurt covered pretzels. Check out our recipe database to make your own granola.
Picnic Snacks
Picnic snacks are portable, simple and perfect for room temperature. Great options for picnic snacks are pasta salad cups, mini salads like this chicken salads, cut-up fruit and vegetables, homemade dips like ranch and yogurt dip, fruits and hard cheeses. These snacks are best kept in a cooler to maintain freshness and safety. Sandwiches and wraps are also great meal or snack options for a picnic as they are easy to eat by hand. Practice food safety by ensuring all foods are cooled after two hours of being out. If they spend more than two hours in the temperature “danger zone,” there is an increased risk of getting sick from the food.
Sport Snacks
Heading to a kid’s or friend’s soccer or baseball game? Consider snacks that will reenergize and aid in muscle recovery. Hydrating fruits such as orange slices, bananas, grapes and watermelon are all great options. Consider protein rich snacks such as string cheese, yogurt and granola bars. Take into consideration snacks that you would enjoy even if you are just there to watch and cheer in support. While applesauce pouches may be a hit for kids (and adults) perhaps you may consider a fresh crisp apple or sliced up veggie sticks. This will save you money and give you a variety of nutrients.
Lunch Bag Snacks
There are no limits to what you can pack in a lunch bag these days. Containers and reusable bags make the convenience of transporting and storing food so much easier than in past times. Great snack ideas for all ages consists of fruits and veggies—think colorful, like these salad kabobs, and in season for best cost and flavor. Protein and dairy can be packed to be consumed for the same day. Always remember to pack an ice pack to keep these cool and safe to eat. Options like string cheese, hard-boiled eggs and yogurt cups will fill you up and curb hunger until your next meal. Get creative. Check out this video on making mac and cheese in the microwave to enjoy as a quick snack:
Other options such as deli meat and cheese pinwheels, pepperoni mini pizzas and leftover dinner are all great options to satisfy hunger. Try this Blueberry Chicken Pasta for dinner tonight—it’s a perfect snack for tomorrow.
Get Creative
Sometimes we reach for the easiest and quickest thing that is available to us. These may be chips or cookies or pastries. Though these occasional treats are fine we want to be sure to provide our body with the essential vitamins and nutrients to stay energized and well balanced. Treats like these Oat and Peanut Butter Cookies can do both. If snacks or meals are becoming repetitive change it up. Get creative. Check out this video on how to make healthy chocolate cake in a microwave:
Creativity isn’t just for kids. Display or prepare your food in ways that are aesthetically appealing and fun. Most of all enjoy the sweetness of Spring and the sweetness of fresh, nutritious and delicious foods.
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