Home > Ideas For Every Occasion > Snacks

Snacks

By: Cara Frost-Sharratt - Updated: 21 Dec 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Snacks

Whilst constant snacking isn't generally recommended as an alternative to regular well-balanced meals, there are bound to be occasions when you simply don't have the time or inclination to cook a whole meal. Instead, you just need to grab something quickly to keep you going. Snacks don't necessarily have to be full of fat and sugar; there are plenty of healthy alternatives that can provide your body with a boost that is packed full of good stuff.

Get Organised

The key to healthy snacking begins on shopping day. Many people end up snacking because they simply don't have anything that's quick and easy to prepare in the cupboard. A quick stop at the corner shop for some crisps and chocolate takes the place of a meal and this is why snacking has a bad reputation. However, if you plan for the odd snack you can shop accordingly and that way you'll always have something ready to go in an emergency. Here are some ideas for quick snacks that can be planned in advance and added to your shopping list.

Cereal Bars
If you find yourself heading straight for the chocolate counter when you fancy a snack then try to swap the chocolate bar for a more healthy cereal bar. If you buy these in packs when you go shopping, it should work out cheaper than your daily chocolate fix, as well. Keep a couple in your bag and you won't be tempted to stray!

Nuts
Many nuts are packed full of nutritional goodies and their high fat content makes them a pretty good source of energy, too. Keep a couple of bags of mixed nuts, or your favourite variety, in the cupboard for an easy snack.

Crudités
Even if you don't have time to cook a meal, you can surely spare a couple of minutes to chop up some celery, carrots, peppers and broccoli. These are all great for snacking and they work well with a tub of hummus for dipping.

Dried Fruit
This is another good staple to have in the cupboard. Try and find brands that don't have added sugar - you'll be surprised what lurks on some food labels.

Bread Sticks and Dip
A quick and easy solution to hunger pangs. A handful of breadsticks or a couple of pittas (warmed in the toaster and then sliced) will keep you going until dinnertime. Choose any dip or a tomato salsa to accompany them.

Fruit Bowl
Nothing beats a nice piece of fresh fruit when you fancy a snack. As most fruit contains lots of natural sugar, you'll get that energy boost without having to resort to chocolate or biscuits. Bananas are particularly good.

As long as you think about what you're eating and try to maintain a well-balanced diet, snacking needn't always be bad for you. In fact, it's better to stop and have a snack than to carry on with a rumbling stomach and not be able to concentrate. Choose fresh fruit, nuts and cereal bars for when you're out and about as you can easily carry these around in your bag.

Related Articles in the 'Ideas For Every Occasion' Category...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
Why not be the first to leave a comment for discussion, ask for advice or share your story...

If you'd like to ask a question one of our experts (workload permitting) or a helpful reader hopefully can help you... We also love comments and interesting stories

Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Comments
  • SavePlus UAE
    Re: Working Out a Food Budget
    Great advice! Setting a food budget is all about balance, and these tips really help to keep things manageable without compromising on…
    5 April 2025
  • haha
    Re: How to Make Basic Sauces
    nice, but i think it would be better if you had, like, satay sauce, and garlic dip. but still, nice.
    12 April 2020
  • MIZzTyDah
    Re: Organising Your Kitchen
    how do l cook jollof rice and frid rice..also vegetable soup..
    14 January 2018
  • sissy
    Re: Dinner in 10 Minutes
    What else can you do with jacket potato I have butter and a bit of gravy with mine
    16 June 2017
  • cez
    Re: The Quick Guide to Great Cooking
    i'm a student want to learn more basic sauce and any additional ingredients for cream sauce white sauce.thank you
    1 June 2017
  • Panda
    Re: Ten Ideas for Jacket Potatoes
    Please could you add pictures of the goods if possible.
    11 June 2016
  • Philip
    Re: How to Cook Fish
    Your advice on poaching (and other ways of cooking) haddock seems very sensible and in touch with real life. This ( I know comparisons are odious…
    26 November 2015
  • stanos
    Re: Ten Ideas for Jacket Potatoes
    Could you help me with easy toppings for jaket bbq bake potatos ,for to cook 30 at a time need some help ,so come all you great…
    12 November 2015
  • StudentCook
    Re: Meals for £1
    Bb - Your Question:Students don't have luxrys like oil and an onion just hanging about or pepperOur Re
    18 September 2015
  • Evied
    Re: Cooking in Bulk
    Go into supermarkets late in the day and pick up reduced veg, Take home cut up in dinner portion Bags up in freezer bags Put in freezer til you…
    11 September 2015