by JustDanny

Created on: July 21, 2008

Hungry? Me too.

Snacks are the worst kind of enemy. Just when you have your armour strapped on tightly around the big three: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner, they strike you down in your defenceless prime. The hard work and dedication shown throughout main meals is but an irrelevant memory when chomping down a Mars Bar.

Healthy snacks on the go, almost sounds like an oxymoron. Where would the world's fast food giants & confectionary companies be without the impatient tummies of time-poor today? We've been conditioned into believing, and accepting, unhealthy in-between snacks.

There's always celery sticks, but what are the options, for those of us who aren't rabbits?

1. The obvious
Fruit! When staring down the barrel of a packet of chips, it's not easy to see the benefits of an apple. Unlike the salty, fatty and/or sugary content of most snack foods, in this case, our chip friends, fruit provides a natural energy.

2. Breads & Toast
Toast, muffins, and crumpets are great for a healthy snack in between meals. Aim for wholemeal or wholegrain alternatives, and thin, low fat margarine. Try a low fat muesli bar, or one of the other 44 million health bars available from the relevant isle in your supermarket Ensuring to inspect nutritional information before committing to another unhealthy relationship.

3. Dairy
There's no mystery around the benefits of dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese cubes, or low fat custard. Great for bones, wellbeing, and introducing health improving bacteria to your system.

The above should be no surprise to most people. People are smart; I don't think the nutritional difference between a banana and a chocolate bar needs to be preached. The question is, I believe, how do we program ourselves away from the confectionary isle, and into the fruit section sanctuary? How to we truly, CHOOSE healthy snacks on the go?
Availability is a key ingredient. No vending machine at the end of the hall dispenses oranges. Chocolate bars and chips are always going to be easier to grab on the way to work. Preparing for this is important:

+ Don't leave packing lunch till the last minute.
+ Don't be afraid to take food from home, to work.
+ Write your shopping list before heading out to the grocery store, and stick to it, no matter what.
+ Involve someone else in your battle Things are always easier when you're not alone.

You might miss the lollies and chocolate bars, at first, but I promise, it gets easier. They'll be ok without you, after all, there's plenty of them to keep each other company. If you're really good, you can go back every so often to visit them. There's almost nothing that isn't fine, in moderation.

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