Many of us snack too much, don’t snack enough or just don’t know what the best snack to choose is. Different snacks and the frequency of snacking very much depends on what your health and diet goals are. If you aren’t sure, probably best to go see a dietitian so they can help you navigate the confusing world of nutrition.
Today, we thought we would go through some options for busy people who need some snacks to grab ‘n go
- Fruit
No surprise here, but if you’re looking for something that’s easy to eat and readily available fruit is the perfect choice. With its natural packaging full of fibre and nutrients, throwing an apple, banana or mandarin in your bag is a good place to start.
2. Yogurt
Low fat yogurt is full of protein and calcium and now comes in small tubs or pouches like Chobani, Yo Pro or Yo Plait zero which are super easy to grab and go.
3. Nuts
Packed full of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, the recommended amount for nuts is a small handful. However, often, people find they will over eat and end up snacking on nuts all day. My tip is to go out and get the already portioned packets of nuts that are about 30g. (However you can definitely save money and portion it yourself as well.)
4. Happy Snack Company
The Happy Snack Company has a range of different products that are nut free, dairy free and gluten free. They have roasted and chocolate coated chickpeas (my favourite – they taste like Maltesers) and spicy fava beans. All of them are portions and packaged out to around 100 Cals per serving , so great if you’re looking for some help with portion control.
5. Popcorn.
Yes popcorn, but the unbuttered kind that you don’t get from the movies. Popcorn is a great wholegrain snack, that when not doused in butter is quite a low energy dense food. You can pop your own popcorn for fun, but if you’re running low on time and need a convenient snack, this is a good option.
6. (Optional) Muesli bars.
This one again total depends on your goals. Muesli bars are a great source of wholegrains and in some cases vitamins. However, they can often be high in sugar due to their binding ingredients or what they are coated with. Carmen’s Oat bars are a much better option if you are trying to lose weight with only around ~400 kJ per serving.
There are so many other options out there, and the why and how of snacks depend again on your own goals with body composition, performance, weight and general nutrition. Make a booking with us today so that we can help sort out your health goals and answer your snacking questions!
Take home messages:
- Snacking depends on each person’s goals and hunger levels.
- Some great snacks that you might already have in your pantry include: Nuts, fruit or yogurt.
- See a dietitian to chat about the best snacks and goals for you!
By Emma Pearson, Dietitian (APD)
