Why is it a good idea to carry healthy snacks in our bags?

Keeping on-the-go snacks in your bag is the best way to stay fueled and fight off hunger when it strikes unexpectedly. They are also beneficial for boosting your nutrition throughout the day. For example, if you do not consume many vegetables in your main meals, having them as a snack is a perfect way to boost the variety and volume of vegetables consumed.

By having healthy snacks on hand, it is also going to stop you from choosing poorer food choices high in sugar, calories and trans fats when hunger strikes, such as a chocolate from the vending machine, lollies from the convenience store, biscuits in the office or fruit muffin from the café.

If you work in an office, it’s well known that many people forget to drink water through the day. Having a drink bottle on your desk and in your bag will encourage you to drink more and stay well hydrated throughout the day. This in turn will not only boost concentration, energy and productivity but will also reduce your need for fluid alternatives such as energy drinks, soft drinks and fruit juices.

Healthy food suggestions to carry in your bag?

Foods that are minimally processed and aren’t high in refined sugars and carbohydrates should be your go-to snacks. Although foods that have a lot of sugar in them might cause an immediate boost in energy, you will experience an energy crash soon after. This will not only affect energy levels, but also your mood. Basing your choices mainly on whole foods will sustain you for longer.

Top picks for healthy transportable snacks include:

  • Boiled eggs
  • Cut up veggie sticks in a zip lock bag e.g. carrot, capsicum, cucumber, celery, beans
  • Unsalted, raw mixed nuts and seeds
  • Homemade protein balls
  • Fresh fruit
  • Home roasted chick peas
  • Tinned tuna
  • Unflavoured whole grain rice cakes
  • Homemade mini egg muffins
  • Air popped pop corn
  • Chia pudding/pods
  • Protein smoothie
  • Greek yoghurt tubs or pouches
  • Water