Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Self

Have these healthy snack foods on hand for when cravings hit

By
A woman eats popcorn at her desk
DexonDee/Shutterstock

The key to a good snack? Portability. Taste and nutrition are obviously important as well, but if you’re on the go, a microwave meal or frozen treat won’t do you much good.

Whether you love sweet, crunchy snacks, or fresh, tart fruit, there are so many delicious and nutritious snacks available that will give you the energy you need to take on the day. All the foods below are healthy, delicious, and easy to stow away in your bag or car. These snacks are great for a between-meal pick-me-up, but if you’re feeling extra hungry or sluggish, carve out some extra time in your day for a full lunch.

Rachael Gorjestani/Shutterstock

Something sweet

Sweet snacks are sure to boost your energy, but excessive amounts of added sugar can result in a sugar crash. Luckily, there’s a great selection of naturally sweet treats that deliver relief when the donuts are calling.

  • Granola: The basics of granola are oats, nuts, and a sweetener, ideally something natural like maple syrup or honey. After that, you’re only limited by your imagination. Try adding dried fruit and dark chocolate for an extra dose of protein and antioxidants.
  • Dried fruit: It may not be as fun as a box of cookies, but if you give it a chance, dried fruit is a terrific addition to any diet, especially for those looking for a sweet pick-me-up. All of your favorite fruits have dehydrated options including raisins, dried cranberries, and banana chips. Dried apricots are among our favorite options, as they pack more potassium per serving than bananas or spinach.
  • Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is an easily portable snack that’s sweet and full of antioxidants. Dark chocolate may be the best example of a happy medium between delicious and nutritious.
A woman eating nuts
RossHelen/Shutterstock

Something savory

If you’ve got a hankering for a salty, savory snack, here are some of the best brain-boosting options for your snack cabinet:

  • Jerky: This dehydrated snack comes in a variety of flavors like peppered, teriyaki, and jalapeno. While beef jerky is one of the most common options, jerky can also be made from bison, turkey, meatless alternatives, and even fish.
  • Nuts: These protein-packed snacks are full of micronutrients, with almonds and walnuts being among the most nutritious. Unfortunately, nuts can be pretty expensive, so if you’re working with a tight budget, opt for peanuts, which are among the less expensive options.
  • Popcorn: Whether you go the classic route and make it on the stove or grab a bag of Smartfood from the store, popcorn is a very versatile snack. This is the perfect choice for idle snacking, as you can munch through three cups of plain popcorn and only rack up about 100 calories.
  • Kale chips: Put down the potato chips and try this nutritional powerhouse. Kale chips come in all of your favorite chip flavors and have a delicate, crispy texture. Because of kale’s superfood status, you can polish off the whole bag, guilt-free.
Recommended Videos

No matter the nature of your hankering, there are sweet and savory snacks that can satisfy your cravings and fill your body with crucial nutrients. These snacks all are easy to carry around, which further cements their status as junk food busters. Instead of hitting the vending machine, keep some of these snacks in your car or carry-on bag to munch on throughout the day. Snack with confidence with these healthy, delicious snacks. No one is saying you can’t have a candy bar every now and again, but keep in mind that there are more nutritious, filling snacks that will keep your brain and body energized all day long.

Related

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Scott Harris
Scott Harris
Contributor
Scott Harris is a freelance writer based near Washington, DC, with more than a decade of experience covering health…
4 useful ways to stop sugar cravings for good
stop sugar cravings woman cupcake

Understanding sugar cravings begins with understanding another key reality: Sugar is, indeed, an addiction. When consumed in large quantities, sugar meets the criteria for “a substance of abuse” and can be as addictive as cocaine or morphine. This also means that cutting back on sugar intake can lead to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability, cravings, and altered sleep patterns.

Though difficult, reducing sugar intake is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sugar is as dangerous as it is delicious, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, and weight gain.

Read more
6 healthy late-night snacks if you can’t resist the urge
best late night snacks woman snack

Snacking urges often come at very inopportune times. Larger nighttime meals may contribute to weight gain and poor blood sugar control. Luckily, other evidence suggests that smaller, nutrient-dense snacking late at night can actually help promote muscle-building and good cardiovascular health.

While you shouldn't take down a hot fudge sundae right before bed, a little snacking in moderation can be just fine and even beneficial. In fact, the right late-night snack can actually help you get to sleep faster.

Read more
4 delicious, healthy lunches you can make in under 10 minutes
healthy lunches ten minutes making lunch wrap

Most people, particularly those who are health- or diet-conscious, are at least somewhat familiar with the different ways to create a healthy lunch — lean protein, whole grains, plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and so on. Not every lunch is perfect, of course, but these general principles dominate healthy meal prep. Unfortunately, not everyone has time to make a healthy lunch every day from fresh, whole ingredients. If you're on the run, that Mediterranean grilled salmon salad probably won't be on the menu.

For those who want to keep things healthy while keeping one eye on the clock, here are four lunch ideas anyone can make in about ten minutes. They’re also perfect for those who are working at home and looking for a quick lunch between video meetings. No complicated recipes needed!
Wrap it up
The tried-and-true wrap is the easiest way to refresh your leftovers or just pile some of your favorite ingredients into a portable, easy lunch. Keep whole-wheat tortillas (or iceberg lettuce leaves) on hand and fill them with all the healthy ingredients lying around your kitchen. Some possibilities include:

Read more