When you’re spending the day at work or school, it can be difficult to eat a healthy diet unless you take a little time to plan ahead. When hunger strikes or you start to feel your energy waning, skip the trip to the vending machine, and dig into some of our “grab and go” healthy meal and snack ideas. Not only will you save some money but your body and mind will appreciate the boost of good nutrition!
7 Healthy Grab and Go Snack Ideas
Whole Wheat Crackers and Nut Butter
A handful of whole wheat or multigrain crackers with a light smear of your favorite nut butter will satisfy cravings for both salty and sweet snacks.
Fresh or Frozen Fruit
Whether it’s an apple, banana, pear, grapes, or a container of seasonal berries when you snack on fruit, you’ll obtain a good variety of nutrients plus fiber. Craving something cool and refreshing? Freeze grapes or berries and enjoy them as a delicious, ice-cold snack.
Popcorn with Parmesan
Turn ordinary popcorn into something special when you add a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top. Other crazy popcorn ideas: Cajun Seasoning + Lemon Zest ; Chipotle + Lime ; Dried Bananas + Salted Peanuts
Nuts
When you want a crunchy snack, swap the chips for a serving of nuts. Nuts contain heart-healthy fats, and you only need a handful to satisfy your hunger. Want to get creative? You can buy nuts in bulk and roast them in a 250 degree oven to make your own mix!
Pita Bread with Hummus
Whether you make hummus from scratch or pick up a container at the grocery store, it is a delicious source of fiber. Add some greens or veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and celery, and you’ll have a hearty and healthy sandwich.
Veggies with Dip
Vegetables like carrots, celery, and grape tomatoes will fill you up because of their high water and fiber content, but you’ll enjoy them more if you include a variety of dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, hummus, or your favorite salad dressing. Check out our dip recipe and others in our recipe section.
Chocolate Graham Crackers with Strawberries
Find yourself tempted by cookies, muffins or pastries? You can satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate graham cracker topped with freshly sliced strawberries.
5 Grab and Go Friendly Recipes
In addition to these grab and go suggestions, here are a few simple recipes you can easily double. When you make extra, pack lunch size servings in microwavable containers and then store in your freezer. This way, it’s easy to grab a healthy lunch or snack as you’re heading out the door each day!
Spinach, Kale and Yogurt Dip with Tommy’s Super Greens
You’ll love this supercharged leafy green dip that goes great with crackers, bread and a variety of raw veggies.
Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad
Get the recipe on Joyful Healthy Eats
This Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad features a light Balsamic Vinaigrette that you can easily keep in a separate container. Double the recipe, and you’ll easily have enough for a few lunches during the week.
Spinach Tomato Quesadilla
Get the recipe on Hurry the Food Up
Grill up a bunch of these quesadillas then cut in half and wrap individually for a quick snack or lunch.
Butternut Squash and Apple Hash with Sausage
Get the recipe on Real Food Dietitians
Imagine how jealous your co-workers will be when they see you eating this flavorful hash with butternut squash, apples, and savory turkey sausage. Make this for Sunday brunch and put aside the leftovers for a weekday lunch!
Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
Get the recipe on Skinny Taste
This dish takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, and the leftovers are perfect to bring to work or school. With a lunch this good, you’ll wonder why you ever thought of grabbing fast food from the drive-thru!
Don’t be tempted by the vending machine ever again!
It isn’t always easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you’re at work or school all day, but with a little preparation, you can enjoy delicious lunches and snacks without sacrificing solid nutrition. Do you have tips and strategies for making healthy choices at work or school?
Share them in a comment or on our social media pages!
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