Young Men's Health
- Healthy snacks help maintain your energy levels.
- Eat snacks from a variety of food groups such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, and dairy.
- Limit candy, chips, overly processed foods and treats made from refined grains and with added sugar.
- Packing a healthy snack at home and keeping it in your backpack may help regulate blood sugar levels and fullness.
Snacks are a great way to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Eating healthy snacks between meals many help keep you from getting too hungry. When you are too hungry, you may end up feeling tired, irritable and eating more than you need at the next mealtime.
What snacks should I choose?
Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy foods can make great snacks. Balanced snacks tend to have a mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) and some fiber. Fiber is found in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and beans. This balance of nutrients helps individuals to stay full. Snack foods such as chips, cookies and candies may leave you less satisfied and could leave your stomach growling soon after.
What are ideas for on-the-go snacks?
Being prepared with quick and convenient snacks can help fuel your body while you’re on the go. If you have plenty of healthy snacks packed in your lunch bag, purse or backpack, you’ll have something nutritious to snack on when you get hungry. When you pack snacks, aim to combine a source of fiber with a source of protein. Check out the suggestions below and pick an item from each list to stash in your bag!
Easy snack ideas – pick one from each category:
Fiber:
- High fiber cereal (with more than 5 grams per serving)
- Whole wheat pita bread
- Apple
- Banana
- Grapes
- High fiber crackers (with more than 3 grams per serving)
- Carrot and celery sticks
- Green pepper strips and grape tomatoes
Proteins:
- Nuts
- String cheese
- Hummus
- Peanut butter or other nut butter (such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter)
- Yogurt
- Cottage Cheese
- Milk
- Soy nuts
- Seeds such as pepitas or sunflower seeds
Example Snack Ideas:
- Nuts and raisins
- Whole wheat pita with peanut butter
- Yogurt with high fiber cereal
- Carrots with hummus
- Cottage cheese with fruit
- String cheese and high fiber crackers
Snacks are an important part of a healthy meal pattern. Remember to pack your snacks before you head out of the house so you are sure you will have a healthy and portable option with you!