Sure, you can grab a granola bar or a bag of whole grain pretzels when you’re off for a hike, road trip or a day of work but, really, do you want to eat all that processed stuff?

Aren’t you dismissing your own imagination and creativity?

Consider these tasty treats instead (you can do better than microwave popcorn!)—as good as they taste, they’re even better for you!

• Date-Nut Trail Mix:

  Mix your favorites—walnuts, cashews, almonds—and, instead of raisins chop up some fresh dates.

• Edamame:

  Toss cooked beans with a bit of sesame oil, kosher salt and, if you dare, red pepper flakes.

• Stuffed Dates:

  Take your pick, or try them all—almonds and blue cheese; walnuts and goat cheese or ricotta; pecans and cream cheese; parmesan and, for wrapping, prosciutto; cream cheese and minced jalapeños; almond butter…mixed with cocoa powder and garnished with chopped chocolate. The possibilities are endless!

• Roasted Seaweed Rolls:

  You can soften seaweed squares in damp paper towels to make them roll-able, then fill with carrot and/or celery and or cucumber sticks, avocado spears sprinkled with lemon juice (to prevent them from turning brown), brown rice, and any other goodies in your fridge.

• Roasted Chickpeas:

  So crunchy! Scrumptious! Spread drained and rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast for 30 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees, shaking every ten minutes or so, until crisp and golden brown. Remove and sprinkle with your favorite chili, garlic, chipotle or curry powder, return to the oven, turn it off immediately and leave in for a couple of hours or overnight.

• Energy Balls:

  Made from dates, walnuts, coconut flour, honey, and other flavorings like cocoa powder and vanilla, they’re a snap to make and really pack a punch. The internet is full of great recipes to try.
  
  

• Freeze-Dried Fruit:

  Whether you eat as-is or rehydrate with milk or water, you’re in for a healthy treat. Generally, there’s no added sugar but check the labels just to make sure. Another option: fruit chips, also available in supermarkets.

• Turkey or Ham Wraps:

  You could fill will cream cheese or a mozzarella (or cheddar) stick, but why not go super-healthy and wrap around jicama?