By Donna V. Scaglione
A tight schedule can hinder our best efforts to eat in a heart-healthy way. Sometimes we’re too busy to cook a well-balanced meal or to have good-for-you snacks on hand. But it doesn’t take that much time to fit healthy eating into your day, especially when it comes to snacks. With a little planning before you grocery shop, you can have these simple snacks on hand to stash in your car or office drawer. Just bag them and go.
1. Nibble some nuts
Nuts are among the healthiest foods to incorporate into your diet. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are a tremendous source of healthy fats that work to protect the heart by reducing cholesterol and hypertension, and they build healthy immune and nervous systems. While nuts can be high in calories, eaten in moderation they are an excellent source of protein and make a healthful grab-and-go snack. Good choices to take on the run are shelled walnuts, almonds, and pecans.
For a big-on-nuts cookie to bake and take, try this Whole Grain Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe from Boston University’s nutrition program. It calls for a full cup of nuts. Walnuts work beautifully and taste great.
