HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES

SIMPLE SNACK SUBSTITUTIONS

With the school year in full swing, organizing meals around activities is a complicated task for many families. Whether packing a lunch bag for the office or a cooler of treats for trailhead tailgating, consider replacing popular grab-and-go goods with healthier alternatives.

Though most ingredients found in prepackaged products are safe to consume in moderation, remember that making an effort to remove processed foods from your diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers in the long run.

Consider stocking the pantry with these substitutions for popular snack items. Whether preparing for a busy day of activities or a family movie night, these are sure to please.

CHIPS

Baked pretzels and veggie chips are a great alternative to fried potato chips and other crispy snacks. Chips made from vegetables can boost daily veggie intake and satisfy a salty craving. Homemade chips are not only free of preservatives, they are also easy to make at home. Simply take thin slices of vegetables, and bake them into a crispy bite-size snack.

CANDY, COOKIES & CAKES

Despite what you may have heard, Twinkies do have an expiration date. However, storebought snack products like these are loaded with preservatives and other ingredients that make them a poor choice for health. Replace pantry staples like candy, snack cakes and cookies with items like graham crackers and granola bars. Consider healthier breads or muffins rather than cakes. To conquer cravings, make baked goods at home with hidden veggies or healthy substitutions.

FRUIT ROLLS & GUMMIES

Fruit is naturally sweet, and filled with fiber, minerals and vitamins. Fruit leather is a chewy treat that can be beneficial for onthe-go snacking. Instead of purchasing from brands with added sugars and preservatives, make delicious fruit rolls at home. Dried fruit is a great alternative to gummies made with added sugar and gelatin. However, it is both calorie-dense and filled with natural sugars and nutrients, so be mindful of portions.

PROTEIN PACKS

Don’t pay more money for portioning and preservatives. Though convenient, storebought snack packs such as these are high in sodium and trans fats, which can lead to high cholesterol. Instead, create a healthy grazing box at home. Buy a box of crackers, add fresh deli meat (avoid processed lunch meats), such as ham, turkey or pepperoni, and top with cheese slices. Purchasing items in bulk can also cut down on costs.

YOGURT

Adults and children alike turn to yogurt cups for an easy breakfast or quick snack onthe-go. But some yogurt brands, especially those marketed toward children, are filled with artificial coloring agents, sweeteners, preservatives and other additives. Choose plain or vanilla flavored Greek yogurt and add real fruit for a healthier option.

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