Nutritious on-the-go snacks

Sometimes we just don’t have enough time or energy to make an epic meal to pack up for lunch. We have busy lives and that means that we don’t always make it a priority to eat a healthy, appetizing lunch or snack on nutritious food throughout the day. To make this a little easier, we’ve come up with a few no hassle ideas for on the go snacks.

Protein Packs

These DIY protein packs are like healthy lunchables for adults. The concept is simple: throw a bunch of healthy proteins into a plastic container and separate them out with cupcake liners. No cooking, no hassle, just a simple snack to eat throughout the day or during a quick break at work. Include diced and cubed meats like ham, chicken or turkey. Nuts are a good source of protein to include as well. Throw in some cubed cheese to top it off.

Chewy No-Bake Granola Bars

If you’re trying to make healthy choices, you have most likely read the nutrition facts on the back of every granola bar package and studied their ingredients. Whether you have found a grocery store favorite or if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect bar, we suggest switching it up and creating your own. This on the go snack is easy to make and only includes healthy ingredients.

• 1 1/2  rolled oats
• 1 cup of raisins
• 1 cup roasted almonds, chopped roughly
• 2 medjool dates, chopped roughly
• 2 T dried berries of choice
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• Dash of sea salt
• 1/2 T cinnamon
• 2/3 cup brown rice syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon coconut butter

In a large mixing bowl, mix up the rolled oats, raisins, almonds, dates and dried berries. Add in the sesame seeds, sea salt and cinnamon. Set aside. In a microwave proof bowl, mix the brown rice syrup and coconut oil until well combined. Drop the coconut oil in it and break apart as much as possible. Heat in the microwave until melted (time depending on your microwave- for me it was 1.5 minutes). Remove from microwave and pour the liquid over the dry mixture and ensure it is very well combined. Grease a baking tray or line with parchment paper. Press the mixture into it and refrigerate immediately. Allow granola bars to set before cutting bars into 6 pieces.

Dried Strawberries

If you love strawberries, you’ll love this snack. If you want to change up the texture of fresh strawberries, this simple alteration will breathe new life into your fruit game. Simply cut the berries in half (after removing their leaves) and put them in the oven (preheated to 200 degrees) for 3 hours. The result is a sweet snack that tastes like candy. It’s a good alternative to fruit snacks and a fun way to mix up the taste and texture of fruit.