Healthy Snacking

Healthy Snacking

Adriana Urbina is an In The Know cooking contributor. Follow her on Instagram and visit her website for more.

Healthy snacking on the go is easier said than done. When you’ve got so much on your plate, it can be difficult to pay enough attention to what you’re putting in your body. But moving requires energy, so eating healthily isn’t just important for maintaining your diet goals — it’s important for maintaining your strength. Getting the nourishment that you need will keep you going and help reduce stress and fatigue. And, unfortunately, you’re not going to get it if you’re just eating corner store snacks and takeout every night.

As with all things food-related, don’t think of healthy eating throughout the day as being a case of “good” versus “bad” foods. It’s about balance and making sure that you’re providing yourself with the proper amount of fuel. Here are some tips to help you eat right and stay on track during your busiest of days!

Credit: Adriana Urbina

Credit: Adriana Urbina

1. Try to plan your meals ahead of time and always bring a variety of healthy snacks with you. You will make better decisions when you aren’t hungry!

2. Keep frozen vegetables on hand. This will help you build a healthy and nutritious meal more quickly. Frozen vegetables are great and have just as many nutrients (if not more!) as fresh veggies. (You can make veggie-based grain bowls, salads, roasted veggies, soups and more.)

3. Try to eat more food that contains fiber (think vegetables, fruits and nuts).

4. Snack on fruit! Individual pieces of fruit — such as an apple or a pear — make great snacks, because they’re tasty and portable. All fruit delivers fiber, although some have significantly more than others. Other high-fiber fruits include apples and berries.

Credit: Adriana Urbina

Credit: Adriana Urbina

5. Batch cook whole grains over refined grains. They’re another easy portable food option! Some examples of whole grains include:

  • Amaranth

  • Barley

  • Buckwheat

  • Bulgur wheat

  • Farro

  • Freekeh

  • Millet

  • Quinoa

  • Wheat berries

6. Sprinkle chia, flax, sesame or hemp seeds into your meal to easily increase your fiber and vitamin intake (these seeds can be easily sprinkled onto food or drink like fruit and water). These provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals, as well as 11 grams of fiber per ounce.

7. Add avocados into your meals! The creamy, green flesh is not only rich in healthy, monounsaturated fatty acids, but it’s also packed with fiber.

8. Snack on nuts and seeds, or add them to recipes that are already in your rotation.

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