7 Grab-and-Go Snacks for Busy People

Think fast! Life can be crazy sometimes—you hit the ground running in the morning and don’t stop until you’ve collapsed in bed. We’ve been there, too!

Sometimes it’s all we can do to remember to toss a Nutrisystem muffin and soup in our bag on the way out the door in the morning.

But to stay fueled for the long haul, we all need to snack smart. And fortunately, there are some really great options out there that will provide the PowerFuels and SmartCarbs you need to power through your day.

Here are seven of our favorite “lifesaver” snacks—balanced with protein and good carbs to keep you full and energized between meals—with no fuss, and little to no prep time.

1. Apple & Almond Butter

Our #1 go-to. Grab an apple and a single-serving almond butter pack—or if you have an extra two minutes, spoon your favorite almond butter into a mini Ziploc baggie the night before. It travels well, and when you’re ready to eat, just cut off a corner and squeeze!

Serve up: 1 Tbsp. almond butter and 1 medium apple

Counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan

How to Choose Your Nut Butter

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2. Hard-Boiled Egg & Clementines

With an extra 15 minutes, you can prep a big batch of eggs to grab-and-go throughout your busy week. Store in individual baggies for easy grabbing on your way out the door, or you purchase them pre-cooked and pre-peeled for an even quicker version. Pair with two clementines—they travel well and make the perfect sweet treat!

Serve up: 1 large egg and 2 clementines

Counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan

3. Cheese & Crackers

We love this simple, satisfying snack! Grab a pack of your favorite low-fat string cheese (or Mini Babybel® cheese) and some whole grain crackers (look for single-serving packs of 120 calories or less). If you have refrigerator space at work, this is a great snack to keep a few servings of on hand—for whenever you need it!

Serve up: 1 string cheese or Mini Babybel® and 1/4 cup whole grain crackers

Counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan

4. Pumped-Up Hummus & Baby Carrots

A protein-packed spin on the classic. Stir two tablespoons of hemp seeds into 1/4 cup of your favorite hummus—we love roasted red pepper flavor. Pair with baby carrots (look for single-serving packs to save time!).

Serve up: 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds, 1/4 cup hummus and 1 cup baby carrots

Counts as: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Vegetable on the Nutrisystem plan

How to Make Your Own Hummus

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5. Greek Yogurt & Banana

Couple this be any simpler? Zero prep time, and you can pick a few different flavors of yogurt to enjoy throughout the week! This is another easy idea to keep on hand at work in you have access to a refrigerator. Feel free to slice up the banana and toss it in your yogurt for a creamy combo that will fill you up without filling you out!

Serve up: 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt and 1 medium banana

Counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan

6. Edamame & Roasted Chickpeas

Grab a bag of frozen shelled edamame and a pack of roasted chickpea snacks (pick your favorite flavor!). Portion out each into separate baggies the night before and you’re set to grab and go in the morning.

Serve up: 1/2 cup shelled edamame and one serving of roasted chickpeas (see nutritional criteria above)

Counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan

7. Ants on a Log

Another classic! Purchase pre-cut celery sticks for a timesaver, then prep by throwing celery, peanut butter and raisins into a container—you can dip and assemble your ants on a log as you eat!

Serve up: 1 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1/4 cup raisins and 1 cup celery

Counts as: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Vegetable on the Nutrisystem plan

So think fast—fast snacks, that is, so you can keep up with your busy schedule and stay on top of your weight loss goal!