Healthy Snacks That Are Easy to Pack
As I’m always on a mission to clean up my diet, I’ve recently been focusing on reigning in my snacking. Whether I’m in the office or working from home, it can be tempting to munch mindlessly on whatever’s around. Of course, I end up feeling totally bloated and terrible after literally eating all day.
It’s funny– when I was on a steady effort to lose weight a couple years back, I actually ate more frequently, just with better foods. So lately, I’ve been exploring different healthy snacks that are also tasty and easy to put together for packing on the go. I thought I’d share three of my favorite go-to combinations that I’ve been packing for myself lately, perfect for those looking to eat healthier or who just need convenient options.
What I find helpful in terms of packing snacks— or lunches in general— is using a bento box for portion control. I personally have a bento lunch box which has three compartments and is totally leakproof, even between the interior compartments (super important for most of my favorite snacks). Using a bento box lets you portion out your lunch and snacks mindfully to help avoid overeating. Meal planning ahead of time will also help you stay on track– see how to do it on a budget here.
You can see how much food I can still fit inside in the below “snack packs” I often assemble for myself.
Healthy Snack Pack #1: Bell Pepper, Pita, Carrots & Hummus
What’s Inside:
- 1 whole wheat pita pocket
- 2 tbsp hummus
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 11 baby carrots
This snack pack is 185 calories.
Healthy Snack Pack #2: Apple Slices, Celery, Pretzels & Peanut Butter
What’s Inside:
- 1/2 small apple, sliced
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 2 stalks celery
- 7 thin twist pretzels
This snack pack is 330 calories.
Healthy Snack Pack #3: Cottage Cheese, Blueberries & Turkey Swiss Roll Ups
What’s Inside:
- 1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 3 slices of turkey & 3 thinly sliced swiss cheese roll ups
This snack pack is 271 calories.
These “snack packs” are on regular rotation during the week for me. Sometimes I even eat one of these as my whole lunch and I’m left totally satisfied. Depending on your own diet goals, these could be a great option for mid-day snacking while trying to eat healthy. Remember: eating clean doesn’t mean eating less, just eating smart.
More Lunch Box Options for Packing Healthy Snacks:
What are your favorite weekday snacks?
Love these snack ideas – I love healthy yet tasty snacks, I’m so unimaginative! My fave is the hummus, so yummy!
http://www.phillippabeauty.com
Don’t forget to squeeze a li’l bit of l;emon on you aplle slice.
I never knew how to pack sliced apples. They always turn brown. Any suggestions?
Hmm I’ve never had that problem, but then again I’m keeping them in this airtight container plus inside the fridge. How were you packing them before?
In a container, but I’m thinking I might not have sealed it airtight. I’ll try a different container. Thanks
Squirt a little bit of lemon (others use vinegar, but I haven’t tried it), then pack it in an air tight container or zip lock bag.
I slice whole apples (with core), squeeze a tiny bit of lemon, then reassemble the apple, wrap it in saran wrap, and rubberband it closed so the open slices aren’t exposed to oxidation/browning.
Awesome tip! I’ve used lemon to stop guacamole from browning… guess it makes sense that it would work for apples!
Thanks Pia. I’ll try that too.
I also use the lemon juice on sliced apples , that I send to school in my children’s lunches. It works perfectly! And my kids are happy not to have brown apples 🙂
Slice the apple then put the slices back together in the shape of the apple then glad wrap the apple.
Ooh what a great idea!
Love this idea!! However, I’m not a big fan of hummus or cottage cheese. Substitutes? 🙂
Since the cottage cheese is high in protein, you could sub for Greek Yogurt! That would go well with the blueberries as well. As far as the hummus, have you tried different flavors of hummus? Not just plain but they have all sorts of different tastes now. If you still don’t like it, perhaps some low fat ranch dressing (in moderation!)
I have tried a few flavors that I liked, but still none that I was crazy about. I’ll just have to experiment, heheh. Thanks!! ^_^ <3
Have you tried other “hummus” types? like edamame hummus, or white bean hummus? I am not a fan of regular hummus, but I love the others.
really great idea for snacking and low calories too
Thanks! Yes, I try to limit my calories so these are definitely great choices for those on low-cal diets.
These are some great ideas! Thanks for sharing… I’m always looking to add a little variety to my diet… I tend to eat the same thing day in a day out, and then all of a sudden, I can’t stand it anymore! ha. 🙂
Yes, I totally experience that too! Constantly looking for ways to switch it up 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
yummmmmmm
Try some! I bet even Rae would approve of some of these 🙂
These all look great! Love the turkey and cheese roll up idea!
HashtagFabLife
I love it! The satisfaction of a sandwich without bread weighing it down. A good paleo idea too! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
These are some great snack ideas, the hummus is my personal favourite. I think another one you may like is slice and apple so it’s circles and take the centre out. Smother with PB or any butter of choice and raisins and sliced almonds if you want a crunch. That is my go to snack that is filling also a banana with PB is a great snack as well. Great ideas here keep up the great work !
Katie | http://ktmcgworld102.blogspot.ca
Ooh that sounds amazing! Thanks for the idea, Katie!