Healthy eating becomes easy to overlook when there are too many things on your plate. Even more so when time is limited, snacks need to be nutrient-packed. These are great options for busy families who need to be on-the-go. healthy snackingMichelle Dudash is a registered dietitian and chef.

1. Plan Ahead. You can avoid getting lost or stolen snacks by keeping your family’s snacks with you in your car, purse, and gym bag. You can also carry whole-grain crackers, nuts, California Raisins and apples.

2. Find the perfect snack pairings The perfect snack pairings can be a mixture of lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. A cheese stick and pear slices are all options.

3. Natural ways to refuel your body. Parents and children should spend the first 30 minutes of any activity to restore their bodies’ energy stores. Reboot with a healthy snack, such as a handful California Raisins. These natural snacks also have antioxidants and fiber.

4. Stop Those Hunger Panics. Children will be satisfied with a healthy snack after school. You can make carrot sticks or sugar snappeas with hummus, strawberry banana smoothies, or brown rice cakes with natural peanut butter and banana slices.

5. Enjoy Decadent Alternatives to Treat Yourself. Enjoy nutrient-rich options to satisfy your chocolate cravings, such as whole-grain crackers with natural coco hazelnut spread or strawberries dipped into dark chocolate syrup.

This sweet and savory recipe is a great choice for those late afternoon hunger pangs. “Reboot”Trail Mix with California Raisins!

Afternoon “Reboot”Trail Mix

California Raisins

2 cups cacao roasted almonds

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup natural California Raisins

1 cup pistachio kernels

1/2 cup golden California Raisins

1/2 cup cashews

Combine cinnamon and almonds in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Toss in the remaining ingredients. Keep in an airtight jar. You can also make this recipe with 2 cups cinnamon almonds and 1 tablespoon unsweetened chocolate powder. Before adding the other ingredients, shake off any excess cocoa powder.