Quick and healthy snack ideas

Welcome to the second post of my "Back to School" series. Click here for the first post. Although most of us are not going to school, many of our routines are changing due to the end of summer, our children going back to school or job schedule changes. This is a great time to reevaluate your goals and revamp your routines.

Despite the debate on whether snacking is good or bad for you, we have all snacked on something in between meals. When done correctly, snacking can provide energy and satiation in between meals. Continue reading for some healthy, balanced (representing carbs, protein, and fats) snacks that are portable and easy to put together. These snacks are also great to prepare in large batches for meal prep!

Low-fat plain greek yogurt and crushed granola bar. Prepackaged granola tends to be high in sugar and fat. Using a crunchy granola bar provides the same crunchy texture with portion control and often less calories per serving. I prefer to buy the large tub of greek yogurt and portion it but feel free to buy the individual containers of yogurt instead for better portability. I also add some stevia for extra sweetness.

Peanut butter protein bites. Each bite is less than 100 calories and easily adaptable to your taste. Feel free to double the recipe and store them in the freezer for last minute snacking! See the recipe here.

Rice cake with and mustard topped with uncured deli meat, low-fat cheese and olives. Before you dismiss rice cakes, try the flavored ones. Except the “Buttered Popcorn” flavor, that one is disappointing. My favorite flavor is “Tomato Basil.” Simply spread mustard onto the rice cake, then top with cheese, deli meat and olives.

rice cake with mustard, deli turkey meat, and olives

Fruit (e.g. apple, banana, pear) and nut butter. Cut the fruit of choice into slices and spread the nut butter of choice on top. For convenience, you can use prepackaged nut butters like the JIF-to-Go packs.

Bento box. Perfect if you like variety in your snacks or picky eaters. Feel free to swap in olives, nuts, and cut veggies. This can also become a lunch option by having larger servings of each.