By DIANE BRITTON

Do snack attacks hit you when you're least prepared? If you skip breakfast and other meals or snacks throughout the day, eventually the munchies will catch up with you. Here are some healthy ideas for eating on the run that will help control the snack monster in each of us.

Portable Fruits

Fruit is a great snack or healthy addition to any meal or snack. Fresh, dried, frozen (pack in a small portable container) or canned (in its own juice or pear juice won't have added sugar), fruit is always a positive choice. Ideas for good snacking fruits include apples, applesauce, blueberries, bananas, plums, Mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, dried apples or dried apricots.

Veggie Munch Packs

Packing at least one serving of vegetables (125 ml) to eat during the day adds a delicious crunch to any meal or snack. To pack in nutrition and fibre and help control your appetite, eat a variety of colors. Veggies such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, peppers and radishes all make quick, satisfying snacks.

Milk Your Snacks

Whether you choose dairy or soy – milk, cheese and yogurt pack a punch when it comes to nutrition and appetite control.

Protein Power

Adding protein to your snacks will help keep you alert and control the munchies. Lean meats that pack in the protein include ham, turkey, chicken, pastrami and roast beef. Add variety to your snacks by including hard-boiled eggs, hummus, tofu, tuna, salmon or 60 ml of nuts and seeds or nut butters.

Diane Britton is the registered dietitian at the University of Lethbridge. For an individual nutrition appointment, call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-329-2484. Hour sessions are $40 for U of L students and employees.

This column first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.