Fast and Healthy Snack Options

Sometimes life gets busy and we skip meals or run from appointment to appointment, then suddenly we're famished and looking for the fastest thing we can find to meet our hunger. Generally what is most convenient are "junk" foods such as sodas, chips and sweets.

However, with a little planning, you can have healthy alternatives available at home, work, or even in the car that can satisfy hunger while leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied. Here are a few suggestions.

Almonds. A great snack that keeps well and offers healthy fat, protein and complex carbohydrates. Almonds are a low-glycemic food with anti-inflammatory properties.

Pumpkin seeds. Either in the shell or without, seasoned or plain, pumpkin seeds are a great tide-you-over, low cholesterol food.

Wasabi peas. Wasabi coated green peas come canned or in a foil package and are a convenient snack for when you need a little something until you get home for dinner. They're tasty and the spicy horseradish flavor makes it difficult to eat too many!

Trail mix. Make your own combination of nuts, seeds and dried fruits for a quick, healthy and convenient snack. Get creative with different combinations to create a mix that you and your family will love. You can either make a large batch on the weekend and pour it into individual servings or purchase prepared trail mix from your local grocery or warehouse store.

Nuts. Peanuts, cashews, almonds, and other nuts are high in protein, carbohydrates and fats. Most are high in the "good" fats, but try to stick to ¼ cup because they are also high in calories.

Whole grain crackers. Whole grain crackers such as Triscuits are great to have around and can be eaten alone or with peanut butter, cheese or your favorite spread.

Fruit. Fruit is a great snack to have after a meal or between meals. They have a high water, fiber and vitamin content and there are many options to choose from.

Sliced veggies with dip. Bring veggies such as celery, carrots or peppers to work with you and some dip or peanut butter. They keep well and offer the benefits of fruit with a lower sugar content. Combined with peanut butter or hummus, they make a great complex carbohydrate-protein combination.

Water bottles. Not exactly a snack, but it's nice to have water bottles around to go with your healthy snack both to wash it down and as a healthy, no calorie alternative to sodas, energy drinks or sports drinks

So enjoy a healthy snack wherever you are - at work, home or on-the-go.