American comedian Buddy Hackett once commented that when it came to mealtime, “My mother’s menu consisted of two choices: Take it, or leave it.” Could you imagine what would happen if more parents took that approach with their families?

I took that approach with my own family and the result was that we all started eating a little healthier. That’s not saying that overnight we went from couch potato to eating healthy, organic foods. It took a lot of hard work from everyone in the family, and we jumped some pretty tough hurdles.

Taking it one baby step at a time, we now enjoy an overall healthier lifestyle which includes making better choices when it comes to snacking on the go. Sure it’s easy to stop at a fast food restaurant or convenience store but those options aren’t always the healthiest.

Healthier Snacking Means a Healthier You!

According to the Obesity Society (http://www.obesity.org/) between 1977 and 1996, food portion sizes increased both inside and outside the home for all categories except pizza. Americas are not only supersizing their food portions, but also their own bodies!

Caving in to cravings for things like deep-fried, high-calorie snacks filled with fat and sodium might satisfy your taste buds for a little while, but this has a lasting effect on your health. Eating junk food contributes to digestive and cardiovascular problems, and even depression.

Eating Healthy On the Go Begins at Home

When your family adopts healthy eating habits, they can sport a more fit physique which promotes a better overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Here are some steps you can take at home to help influence healthy eating on the go.

• FARMER’S MARKET – Shop your local farmer’s market, orchard, or roadside stand for fresh vegetables and fruits. Fruits and veggies make great on-the-go snacks and pair well with everything from peanut butter and honey to cottage cheese or yogurt.

• HIGH FIBER – Whole wheat crackers, oatmeal bars, and dried fruits are high in fiber that your body needs for a healthy heart and digestive system, as well as to regulate blood sugar. Throw some red beans, brown rice, and hummus in a container for a healthy on-the-go lunch!

• LOW FAT – Some foods marketed as “healthy” in restaurants and convenience stores have hidden carbs, sodium, and fat. When eating out stick to grilled veggies, chicken, and fish. And trade out the creamy dressing for something healthier, like olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.

• NON-PERISHABLES – Keep some non-perishables in your purse or in the glove box of your car. These could be cereal bars or single-serving packages of nuts, granola, or trail mix. It’s not only eliminates your mid-afternoon hunger craving, but also eliminates the need to stop off at a convenience store.

• PACK LUNCH – Whether you are headed off to work, school, or a day of hiking, pack your own lunch. It’s just common sense! It saves you money (especially when you use up leftovers from last night’s dinner) as well as extra calories, sodium, and fat found in pre-packaged or fast food meals.

Sometimes you just want something sweet, and it seems nothing can substitute that craving. When you must have sugary snacks, stick to something that has as much natural sugar as possible like fresh fruits or whole-grain crackers drizzled in pure, local honey.

More Convenient than Convenience Stores

You can prepare most healthy snacks to take on the go in 15 minutes or less. Parents with kids spend more time than that trying to find on-the-go snacks in convenience stores (No ma’am, there is no public restroom for your child, sorry!) or waiting in line at the drive thru window at a fast food restaurant.

One of my favorite snacks to prepare isn’t something you eat at all, but an on-the-go fruit and protein smoothie. The base ingredients are 1 container of plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup of ice, and a scoop of organic protein powder.

After the base ingredients, anything else you add is up to you – peanut butter, spinach, berries (fresh or frozen), bananas or other fruits, honey, or anything else that’s in your pantry or refrigerator! The amount of flavors you can mix or match is endless, making it perfect for picky eaters in your family.

When you’re on the go, don’t give in to unhealthy cravings for sugary, salty, high calorie snacks! If you didn’t prepare a snack beforehand and must stop off at a fast food restaurant or convenience store, pick fresh over deep fried foods, and water over soda or other sugary drinks.

About the Author

Freelancer Melissa Cameron lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Dave and their son and daughter. Although she writes on a wide variety of topics she finds www.biogirlhealth.com to be a great resource when doing the research part of her job. Melissa loves staying fit, and whenever possible she focuses on providing her family with healthy meals and snacks – even when on the go!