Oftentimes, the biggest issue people face when trying to stick to a healthy diet is snacking. Most snack food (i.e. junk food) isn't good for our health, and is filled with sugar, fat, sodium, and empty calories. But with just a bit of planning, you can be prepared with delicious snacks that are tasty and great for you, too! Below are a few ideas:

1.     Nuts and Seeds. Nuts and seeds are one of nature’s most perfect foods. They contain lots of protein and vital nutrients in an easily portable size. The very best nuts and seeds for your health are walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Enjoy them roasted with just a pinch salt, or try out other more exotic spices.

2.     Rice Cakes. If you like crunch, but don't like calories, rice cakes are ideal! They're large enough to give you some substance, but low-cal enough to keep your weight in check. Plus, they come in a variety of sweet and savory flavors to please any palate.

3.     Fresh Veggies. Prep carrots, cucumbers, and celery and but them into small baggies or tupperware so they're easy to grab on the go. Add a little salt and pepper and some fresh squeezed lemon, or dip them into a light vinaigrette dressing.

4.     Dried Fruit. Fruit is always a fabulous snack, and dried fruits are not only good for you, but they're very portable as well. Try to avoid excessively sugary items like pineapple and mango, and instead go for dried apricots and other stone fruits, which lose less of their nutritional value when dehydrated.

5.     String Cheese. Convenient and delicious, this ideal snack is individually wrapped, and can stay fresh outside of the refrigerator for many hours. And, it offers a great amount of protein and calcium that will help hold off hunger until your next meal.

A food truck full of personality, The Peached Tortilla is an incredible fusion of cuisines that makes for a truly unique dining experience. Drawing on Asian and Mexican influences, the food here is full of compelling combinations that will delight your taste buds. The menu has tacos and burritos loaded imaginatively with things like Pad Thai, Chinese bbq, and Szechuan-style vegetables. You can also choose among several delectable sliders. Add some parmesan or sweet-potato fries into the mix, with dipping sauces like peach mint and truffle mayo, and you've got some incredible gourmet goodness. Visit the truck's website to help track down this deliciousness, or stop by its Twitter page!

The Peached Tortilla
(512) 761-3241
http://twitter.com/peachedtortilla
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-peached-tortilla-austin
 

If you’re looking for a relaxing fine dining experience, Austin’s Wink might be right up your alley. Although the food prepared by chefs Mark Paul and Stewart Scruggs is incredibly vivid, flavorful cuisine that can go toe-to-toe with any restaurant in Austin, Wink works hard to keep its menu accessible and comfortable as well. This philosophy has paid off, as local foodies have nothing but raves about the place. Focusing on using only the best sustainably sourced ingredients, signature dishes include the fantastic sweetbreads, truffled macaroni & cheese, and the flavorful, moist duck breast. The dining room is small— really small—so be warned, you might make some new friends. The service is so welcoming that you won’t even notice the slightly cramped surroundings a bite or two into your meal. Stop into the adjoining wine bar for reasonably priced appetizers and wine from the restaurant’s impressive cellar.

Wink
1014 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868