by James Tonin, Clubspaces Editorial Team

Unfortunately, it’s too often the case that the quickest food choices we can make are also among the worst. It’s hard to eat right when you’re on the go, but with a little planning, you can find plenty of creative ways to smuggle a whole lot of wholesome goodness into your snack ideas.

Start with Good Choices

As a general rule, avoid excess sugar and salt like the plague. Careless snacking is a huge contributor to diets that are too high in sodium or glucose. If you’re going to opt for the easy route and buy a box of crackers to munch on, at least reach for the reduced-salt brand, and stick to whole grains as much as possible. Also, products with fewer additives and higher concentrations of natural ingredients always make better choices.

Follow These Quick Tips

» When you have some time, prepare a big batch of fresh fruit salad or sliced raw vegetables for dipping. That way, when you’re leaving the house in a hurry, you can just seal some fruit salad or veggies and dip in a Tupperware container to bring with you.

» Peanut butter is a godsend for parents on the go. It’s good for more than just sandwiches, too: you can get creative and make peanut-butter balls for easy munching, or try combining it with fresh apples for a quick, healthy snack. Just make sure you stick to just-peanuts or all-natural peanut butter, rather than the sugar-filled big brands.

» Harness the power of smoothies and milkshakes! For a quick snack that will satisfy both your hunger and thirst, combine your favorite fresh fruits with skim milk in a blender, according to the proportions you prefer. Push the button, and you’re about 20 seconds away from healthy deliciousness.

» Grab some granola. Filled with organic goodness, granola is an excellent choice for breakfast or a mid-day pick-me-up, filled with nutrients and a jolt of the carbohydrates you need to keep going. Choose unsweetened varieties whenever possible, and avoid granola with raisins included, since raisins are usually packed with added sugar. Combine it with some all-natural plain yogurt and a touch of honey for a fast snack packed with energy .

Variety is the Spice of Life

Don’t be afraid to try different things – if you’re tired of eating raw fruits and veggies, try some whole-wheat pita bread with low-fat hummus. If you just can’t stand the thought of another banana smoothie, try a frozen-yogurt milkshake instead.

Remember: everything you eat is a choice. Choose natural, low-fat, nutrient-packed foods more often, and your overall health will reap the rewards.