Healthy tidbits: Pack a snack to avoid a hunger attack

Ever recall a time when food was not readily available and it made for a miserable day? Everyone does. Errands and to-dos never seem to get any easier. It is wise to carry a snack or two to get a bite to eat and avoid those frustrating times when the drive-thru at the nearest fast food restaurant is about 8 cars deep and not moving fast enough.

A small snack can keep hunger in check until the next meal of the day. Snacks can benefit cash-strapped college students who spend most of their day studying. Snacks can also help satisfy hunger while waiting in places like the DMV or a medical facility. They even benefit professionals who must attend exciting work meetings (hint of sarcasm).

Plenty of options exist for healthy snacks that can easily fit into a pocket, purse, or backpack. Sure, it is not practical to carry something that should remain refrigerated prior to consumption. Think dry food that does not require refrigeration, and keeps you feeling satisfied until your next meal. Here is a small list of good choices:

* Nuts (any kind)

* Trail mix

* Dried fruit

* Bananas

* Whole-grain crackers

* Nutrition bars (many varieties)

An excellent nutrition bar is the Clif Bar. These are made from 70% organic ingredients and include natural ingredients such as oats, figs, peanut butter, and flaxseed. They can be bought at Target stores in a 6-pack box. They will not melt in warm Las Vegas temperatures like candy bars will.

Candy bars are not a preferable snack because the sugar they contain will wreak serious havoc on blood sugar levels and entice you to eat more. Consider sweets such as candy bars only occasionally, such as a self-reward for a specific achievement.

Follow some basic guidelines when choosing snacks to take on the road:

* 200-300 calories is ideal

* Think small, about the size of the palm of your hand

* Create your own trail mix by mixing foods such as walnuts, sunflower seeds, and raisins

Snacks should be designed to help keep hunger in check and provide the necessary nutrients the body needs to handle the stress of everyday life. Invest in your health by packing a healthy snack whenever possible.

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Reference:

www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets/

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, Las Vegas Nutrition Examiner

Passionate about nutrition since he was a boy, John DeAvila Jr graduated from UNLV with a bachelors in Nutrition Science. He completed his MBA through UOP in January 2013 while employed as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. A member of the U.S. Air Force since 2000, John believes a healthy lifestyle...

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