Nutritious snacking choices on the go

Real Simple Magazine

Eat smartly in an airport, at a rest stop, or even from a vending machine. By Madonna Behen

Vending Machines

Best picks: A small bag of plain pretzels―not honey-mustard or any other flavor, which can add fat. "Pretzels are a satisfying, low-fat crunch without any trans fats or added sugar, and the single-serving-size bag means you get built-in portion control," says Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian in New York City and the author of The Snack Factor Diet (Crown, $13, amazon.com). A close second is a small bag of peanuts or almonds, which is packed with protein that will fill you up, says Sarah Krieger, a registered dietitian in St. Petersburg, Florida. And the petite package prevents mindless eating from a big jar, which can be a danger at home.

Another good option: Whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter. While these little sandwiches can be higher in fat or calories than a serving of pretzels, "they have good fat and a little fiber," says Krieger, which will keep you fuller longer.

Worst picks: Potato chips, corn chips, and tortilla chips. They'll give you greasy fingers, but that's not the worst of it. Most snack chips are low in protein and fiber, and some are high in the two worst kinds of fat: saturated fat and trans fats.

See More: 24 Nutritious (and Tasty) Snacks

Gas-Station Mini-Marts

Best picks: Low-fat yogurt. "It's loaded with calcium and protein, which will help you feel fuller," says Katherine Tallmadge, a registered dietitian in Washington, D.C., and the author of Diet Simple: 192 Mental Tricks, Substitutions, Habits & Inspirations (LifeLine Press, $15, amazon.com). Can't find yogurt? A package of low-fat string cheese or even a small carton of skim milk can be nearly as filling, she says, especially when paired with a piece of fruit.

Another good option: Instead of buying packaged trail mix, which is full of sugar and fat, mix up your own from items sold at the quickie mart, says weight-loss counselor Molly Gee. Start with a low-sugar dry cereal, such as Shredded Wheat or Cheerios, as a base. (Look for the mini cereal boxes.) Then add raisins or some other dried fruit and some nuts or small pretzels. Ask for a paper bag to mix everything together. "You've made a high-fiber snack that's crunchy, salty, and sweet," says Gee.

Worst pick: A cream-filled doughnut. Sorry, Homer. This high-sugar, high-trans fat combo has no redeeming qualities. Sure, you'll get a quick energy boost, but that will be followed by an equally quick drop in blood sugar, which will leave you feeling tired, cranky, and craving more sugar.

See More: Healthy Fast Food and Takeout

Movie Theaters

Best pick: A child-size popcorn (about five cups). With eight grams of fiber, it will satisfy your urge to munch and keep you feeling full. It's only 300 calories if you skip the "butter" (actually butter-flavored oil), says weight-loss counselor Molly Gee.

Another good option: Junior Mints. "There's nothing particularly good for you in them, but they're lower in fat than most of the candy bars at the theater," says registered dietitian Keri Glassman. Try to share the box, says Gee, since movie-theater portions are usually gargantuan.

Worst pick: Anything jumbo size or called a value combo. For instance, that large popcorn (20 cups) with extra "butter" and a large (44-ounce) soda add up to almost 2,000 calories. An entire movie-size package of Milk Duds has 595 calories.

See More: 26 Delicious Lunch Ideas

Mall Food Courts

Best picks: A lean-turkey sub on wheat or multigrain bread with mustard and plenty of vegetables. The whole grains and vegetables have fiber to fill you up while providing vitamins and minerals. Turkey is low in fat, and the protein helps control your appetite, says registered dietitian Sarah Krieger. Or, if there's a sushi counter, order a salmon roll and some low-fat, high-fiber edamame. Fish is the protein source with the most nutrients for the lowest number of calories, says registered dietitian Katherine Tallmadge.

Another good option: A broth-based vegetable soup, such as minestrone or udon noodle. "You'll be getting a couple of servings of vegetables," says Krieger, "and studies show that the high volume of soup helps fill you up on fewer calories." Stay away from milk- and cream-based soups, which are usually high in fat. Soups also tend to be salty, so skip them if you're watching your sodium intake.

Worst pick: General Tso's chicken with white rice. Where to start? This dish is deep-fried, often with dark-meat (fattier) chicken, and it's served with nutrient-barren white rice. When food-court Chinese is your only option, go for steamed or stir-fried mixed vegetables over brown rice.

Read the Rest: Make Nutritious Snacking Choices on the Go

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