by: Tess Challis
“What should I eat as a snack, especially when I’m on the go? What are some really, truly healthy options??”
I can only get asked this question so many times (it’s a really good question!) before I realize it’s a blog post begging to happen. And here’s a confession—sometimes I forget too! Writing this out actually helped me to remember how many great snack options are out there, which is good since I’ll be traveling like crazy next month! I have found that, especially when life gets busy, it’s so important to be well prepared. It’s a make-it-or-break-it kind of thing. When we’re prepared, it’s just so much easier to make great choices!
So, peruse this list and see what speaks to you. From there, I’d suggest making a list of what you’d like to eat, and then a grocery list for the supplies you’ll need. Then, try keeping these foods available and on hand so that the next time you’re hungry and feeling rushed (or lazy!), it will be easy to make a healthy choice! Here’s to delicious, nutritious, fun snacking!
1. Fresh fruit is the ultimate “fast food.” No matter where you are, you can almost always head into a store and emerge with some fresh fruit. Any kind will do, but keep the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” in mind—if you can’t find organic produce, these lists will help you make good choices!
2. Raw Cinnamon Rolls are pretty much my all-time favorite on-the-go snack. I love how easy they are to make, plus they’re completely delicious. Not only that, I can personally feel their health benefits immediately—I get a great energy boost from all the omegas and iron!
photo by Olga Vasiljeva
3. Get into the habit of making sustaining, supercharged drinks in the blender. Here’s one of my favorite simple combinations: Frozen bananas, blended with almond milk and a dash of vanilla. Simple, healthy, nourishing, and so yummy!
4. Brown rice cakes may sound boring, but get this! My new thing is topping the sweet chili organic brown rice cakes with a little avocado. That’s it. Delicious.
5. There are a handful of genuinely nutritious dry cereals on the market. My favorite is the Ezekiel sprouted grain cereal (cinnamon raisin). Grab a box of it, a bowl and spoon, and a little nondairy milk and you have a mini-meal on the go if you need it.
6. It always surprises me how many people think of popcorn as something decadent. Actually, popcorn (especially organic popcorn) is naturally low in fat, high in fiber, and very energizing! There are a plethora of fun and interesting ways to season your popcorn too—one of my favorites is a simple splash of tamari along with some nutritional yeast and garlic. Or, try this recipe for BBQ Popcorn or Cinnamon Spice Popcorn. Freaking yum.
7. Fresh veggies are of utmost importance in any healthy diet. A great way to eat more of them every day is to keep them ready to go in the fridge. That way, whenever you’re on the go (or even at home, being lazy) you can just grab some fresh veggies and BAM. Instant health improvement!
8. I’m really not that good at math, but by all of my calculations, kale = LOVE. So bring that love right on into your life with some yummy kale snacks! These days there are a ridiculous amount of kale chips on the market. Some delicious, some not so much. I usually just make mine (lots of recipes in my books) in the dehydrator, but I do buy them sometimes too. No matter what, kale chips are a great way to get in lots of nutrients and supercharge your system!
9. Hummus is ridiculous. I mean, really. How dare a bean be so delicious? I just don’t know where it gets off, but whatever. I can just let it go and enjoy some creamy dreamy hummus—and so can you. Try dipping fresh veggies in hummus, or if you need a little more substance, do the deal with some healthy crackers instead. Homemade hummus is always ideal, but it’s pretty easy to find in stores too (even regular supermarkets usually have hummus these days). As far as crackers go, I recommend either Mary’s Gone Crackers or Sesmark brown rice crackers because they’re both made with whole grains and good ingredients. No junk.
photo by Olga Vasiljeva
10. These dark chocolate mint cookies from my book Radiance 4 Life are pretty much a supercharged energy treat and delicious cookie, all rolled up (literally) into one. All you need is a food processor and you’ll be living the dream.
11. Roasted veggies, such as my recipe for Oven Roasted Cauliflower, are freakishly delicious, even when cold. Inact, roasted and seasoned vegetables are one of my absolute favorite ways to get that snacky “fix” while still supercharging my body with the powers of vegetables.
12. Here’s a fun recipe from one of my books that is sure to surprise you – it’s called “Rawcho Cheese Dip” and it’s made with all raw, nutritious superfoods! Yet, it’s also completely delicious. I’d recommend enjoying this dip along with some raw veggies, healthy crackers, or baked pita crisps for a sustaining, yummy snack that will make your body happy!
I could go on and on, but I’ll restrain myself and stop here. It’s time to go make a snack. : )
Tess Challis is a vegan chef, author of four books, and wellness coach. You can connect with her on her website, Facebook page, and on Twitter. She is currently launching Get Waisted, a plant-based whole food weight loss system, along with Dr. Mary. Tess resides in Traverse City, MI.
