Healthy Snacks on the Go

You and the members of your family lead busy lives, so snacking on the go is virtually unavoidable. A bit of advance planning can ensure that your family gets important nutrients to help fuel an active lifestyle.

• Plan ahead by stocking up with high nutrient snack foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grain crackers, and cereal bars. Health Valley markets an extensive line of snack bars, crackers and cookies, including the first and only organic filled cereal bars, organic yogurt cereal bars, fortified organic toaster tarts and organic granola bars with antioxidants.
• Pack perishable snacks the day before. Fill resealable plastic bags and containers with baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, grapes or cherries, low-fat cheese cubes, and other similar snack foods and store overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, pack in an insulated bag with a frozen gel pack or frozen water bottle.
• Use snacks to meet food group goals for the day. Looking for ways to meet the recommended 4 1/2 cups a day of fruits and veggies? Snack is a perfect time to fill in. Add a dairy serving with a carton of yogurt or a milk "box." Health Valley snack bars are a great source of whole grains.
• Read the label. Look for desirable ingredients like whole grains, fruit, and natural ingredients. Select products like Health Valley Organic that contain no artificial chemicals, flavors or colors; no synthetic pesticides; and no genetically modified ingredients.