Summertime is a great season to hit the road. Whether you are on a road trip or toting kids (or yourself) around town, chances are high you’re spending more time on-the-go. It’s easy to let good nutrition slip during this fast-paced season. Keeping healthy summer snacks with you will ensure that you stick to your health goals without sacrificing summertime fun.
Pre-packaged nuts
Individual servings of unsalted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts are healthy summer snacks that are hard to beat. Create your own on the go packs if you can’t find your favorite variety in single packs by sorting them into small, reusable containers.
Build your own trail mix
Create a healthy combination of nuts, seeds, and a touch of dried fruit for another quick, healthy summer snack. Add a few dark chocolate bits for a sweet punch and dose of antioxidants. Building your own trail mix helps to reduce the sugar found in traditional pre-packaged options.
Beef or turkey sticks & jerky
Protein-based snacks are a great way to keep you energized when you’re on the go in the summer. Beef or turkey sticks don’t need refrigeration and are easy to take with you. Read the ingredients list and choose the brands with minimal additives.
Single-serve nut butter
Packs of peanut butter or almond butter are healthy summer stacks that provide a good dose of healthy fat. Select varieties that are natural and lower in sugar. The bonus with this treat is that it can be used as a dip for an apple or celery sticks.
Fruit
Apples, oranges, peaches, and bananas are just a few of the healthy summer snacks that are easily transportable. Wash up a few grapes or cherries, or dice a watermelon and toss it in your to-go bag. These easy to eat fruits are great when paired with a protein or healthy fat like jerky or nut butter.
Prepped veggies
Carrots, celery, cucumbers, peapods, and raw green beans are healthy summer snacks to take with you for that hunger emergency. Buy pre-prepped varieties that are ready to go or spend 15 minutes one day each week packaging up these plant-based treats.
Chilled options
Pack a small cooler to add variety to your healthy summer snacks list when you’re on the go. Hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, and full-fat, low sugar greek yogurt are all packable options. Freeze cheese sticks in advance to take with you if you don’t have a cooler.
Low-sugar bars
While many protein bars are little more than a candy bar, there are some that can be a healthy summer snack. Opt for KIND bars, Larabars, Rx Bars or others that have 5 grams of sugar or less. Not all flavors of these brands fit the bill, so make sure to read the label to make the best choice.
Water
Staying hydrated is as important as healthy summer snacks during the hottest months of the year. Keep a water bottle with you and refill as often as you can. Add ice to an insulated bottle to keep it appealing and refreshing when you’re on the go.
What healthy summer snacks do you love to take with you when you’re on the go? We’d love to hear your favorites!
