Top 10 Healthier Convenience Store Snacks

Desperate times call for desperate measures! We've all been there—starving & nothing around for miles except a gas station Quicky Mart.

When you're in a pinch, here are 10 healthier convenience store snacks that will help you avoid the junk food and sabotaging your healthy eating efforts:

1. Water

Most people think they are hungry when they are actually thirsty. If you know there are better options ahead, chug a bottle of water to hold off those hunger pains.

2. Nuts

A small serving of nuts will give you a serving of good-quality protein and fat. Look for dry roasted varieties.

3. Fruit

Most convenience stores sell single pieces of fruit like oranges, apples and bananas. Combined with a small bag of nuts, you're on your way to a healthy snack!

4. Potato Chips

Yes, chips! But read the ingredients and make sure they have no hydrogenated oils, MSG or artificial ingredients. Ideally, chips are organic or non-GMO, but if you can’t find those then stick to brands with an ingredients' list of potatoes, oil and salt. Avoid corn chips as they are likely to contain GMOs.

5. Yogurt

Look for full-fat organic, if possible. If not, just make sure the one you choose does not contain any artificial sweeteners.

6. Dark Chocolate

Look for brands that list cacao as the first ingredient instead of sugar.

7. Hard-boiled Eggs

Packed with protein, these little guys will keep your blood sugar stable and your tummy satisfied. Check labels to make sure the only ingredient is egg.

8. Peanut Butter Sandwich

When all else fails, this grade school lunch staple will keep your blood sugar—and energy—rollin’.

9. Energy Bars

Avoid brands with soy protein isolate and look for brands that contain over 10 grams of whey protein, hemp protein or pea protein.

10. Healthy Caffeine

Look for unsweetened iced tea from the fountain. Add lots of ice and lemon. Avoid bottled, sweetened iced teas as they contain extra sugar and chemical. Eating on the road doesn't have to be hard. Just look for these ten things to tide you over until you can get a proper, nutrient dense meal or prepare your snacks ahead of time so you always have it with you—in meetings, in the car, in the airport, and even in hotel rooms.