Whether you’re a new mom, have little ones at home, or you’re trying to manage the new homeschooling situation we’re all in, having snacks on hand is a must-have. Yet like your other meals, snacks can’t be complicated, that’s why I’ve compiled a list of healthy, one-handed snacks.
Having quick and easy—but still healthy—snacks stocked in your refrigerator, freezer and pantry can give you energy to keep up with the demands of the day (and the demands of your kids!), keep everyone’s blood sugar levels steady, prevent meltdowns and tough moods (theirs and yours), and give everyone the nutrition they need. Plus, if you’ve found yourself getting take-out more than you’d like, skipping meals, or stress eating, healthy snacks can help fill in some of the gaps.
This list of 34 one-handed snacks are packed with nutrition, quick and easy to grab and delicious.
HOW TO PREPARE HEALTHY, ONE-HANDED SNACKS
The best way to ensure that you have plenty healthy, one-handed snacks on hand is to think ahead.
- Look for fruits and vegetables that are in-season and make a grocery shopping list to save money and prevent food waste.
- Buy clear, glass containers to store fruits, vegetables, eggs, and homemade baked goods, etc.
- You can also set aside individual portions of snacks like carrots and hummus or cheese and crackers, for example. Having everything set aside will prevent you from rummaging through your pantry when hunger strikes and downing a bag of chips.
- Once home from the grocery store or farmers’ market, wash and cut up produce and store them in your glass containers.
- Consider a snack draw or small baskets or containers to group similar items together so your kids can grab their one-handed snacks.
HEALTHY, ONE-HANDED SNACKS TO KEEP IN THE FRIDGE
To ensure you’re eating healthy, one-handed snacks that will satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling energized, focus on those that have protein, fiber and healthy fats, and opt for whole grains instead of white, refined grains.
Here are a list of healthy, one-handed snacks to keep in your refrigerator.
- Raw vegetables: broccoli, baby carrots, cucumber, sugar snap peas, jicama, celery, bell peppers, etc.
- Fruit: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, apples, pears, grapes, kiwi, tomatoes, etc.
- Cheese (slices, sticks, mozzarella balls, etc.)
- Green smoothies
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Deli meat roll-ups
- Small pieces of bananas spread with peanut butter and topped with nuts
- Mini pancakes
- Edamame
- Tofu cubes
- Yogurt (cups, tubes, pouches)
- Dips: hummus, bean dip, guacamole, olive tapenade, salsa
- Olives
- Overnight oats, chia seed pudding, or yogurt parfait in an individual mason jar
- Chocolate avocado mousse
- Roasted chickpeas
ONE-HANDED SNACKS TO KEEP IN THE FREEZER
If you’re looking for a sweet, refreshing treat, here are a few snacks to keep in your refrigerator.
- Frozen fruit
- Healthy homemade popsicles
HEALTHY, ONE-HANDED SNACKS TO KEEP IN THE PANTRY
- Trail mix
- Granola
- Granola bars and healthy snack bars
- Energy bites
- Mini muffins
- Nut butters: peanut, almond, cashew
- Seed butters
- Dried fruit
- Nuts and seeds
- Pureed pumpkin
- Popcorn
- Tuna, sardines, anchovies
- Whole grain crackers
- Homemade kale chips or beet chips
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Low sugar, high fiber cereal (bonus if it also has protein)
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY, ONE-HANDED SNACKS? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS!
