It’s a common situation: you/your spouse/your children have busy lives and tight schedules and rely on portable snacks to deliver nutrition on-the-go. Unfortunately, so many of the most conveniently packaged snacks like chips, cookies, and soda are laden with sugar and unhealthful fats. That’s no coincidence, either – food manufacturers want to make sure that you find these foods to be convenient for you and your family to grab and consume.

Fortunately for us and our waistlines, we have other options! With a little pre-planning and organization, you can snack on the move while still making healthy choices. Below are 5 of our favorite alternatives that are whole-food based and packed with protein to sustain your blood sugar:

1. Hard-boiled eggs: Make ahead at the beginning of the week and store in a bowl in the fridge.

2. String cheese: pre-packaged for convenience, the best choice is organic to ensure that it is free from the artificial hormones and antibiotics that many conventionally farmed dairy cows are fed.

3. Trail mix: Buy in bulk and then portion single servings into portable containers or ziploc bags or choose a blend that has been pre-portioned. For maximum health benefits, avoid mixes with peanuts, salt, and candy or chocolate pieces. Instead, choose blends with dried berries and “exotic” nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts.

5. Veggies and hummus: As with trail mix, buy in bulk and portion into single servings to avoid over-indulgence. Also, many hummus manufacturers are now selling individually packaged portions for convenience. My favorites are sold at Trader Joe’s.

5. Bars: Instead of candy bars, opt for delicious options like the Larabar, Zing bars, and Raw Revolution bars which are made from whole foods. Avoid bars containing soy protein isolate, which is a common allergen for many people.

Bonus tip: dedicate snack zones in your fridge and pantry so that everyone knows exactly where to turn when hunger strikes.

Tell us, what are your favorite portable snacks?