If you’re a mom on the go, you know how tempting it can be to head to the drive-through or vending machine when your child’s tummy starts growling.

But there are healthier and less expensive alternatives. To avoid last minute snacking, keep a bag packed in your car or in your fridge with some of the following:

1. Healthy granola bars

It is possible to find healthy and organic varieties of granola bars, but you will have to look at the label carefully. Look for a brand that is high in fiber and whole grain and without high fructose corn syrup.

Once you find a variety that you and your kids love, you can save money by buying in bulk. (Look for deals online if you don’t belong to a thrift store.) Once you’re well stocked, you’ll want to stash an extra box or two in the trunk of your car for emergencies.

2. Fresh fruit

There is nothing more satisfying and easy to prepare than fresh fruit. It comes in its own packaging! Bananas, grapes, apples and pears can be carried in the car. If you’re eating before you head out the door, you might enjoy kiwi, oranges, and mangoes.

Make it a habit to keep a bowl full of fruit salad in the refrigerator. This way you can scoop up some in a to-go container at any time.

My children love to eat pieces of fresh fruit by poking each piece with a toothpick. We bought the decorative toothpicks with colored cellophane or little flags on top to make it more fun.

3. Fresh vegetables

Baby carrots are the perfect on-the-go snack because they don’t require any prep work. They can be stored in a plastic bag in your bag at room temperature and eaten on the go.

Other vegetable options require a bit of thought, but are also very easy to prepare. Try celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, radishes, and broccoli stalks to add variety to your diet. Once again, it will be much easier to take them with you if they are already washed and sliced.

When you get home from the grocery store each week, take a few minutes to wash and prep your vegetables. We found that we throw away much less produce if we prep it right away (as opposed to accidentally shoving it to the back of the fridge where we all too often forget about it).

4. Whole Grain Crackers and Peanut Butter

This snack is tasty and good for you too. With whole grain crackers, you can get those important grains without all the additives and empty nutrition of regular crackers. Adding the peanut butter makes this snack a balance of protein and carbs, which will help keep you full for longer periods.

5. String cheese

This is another children’s favorite that is perfect for moms. If you don’t want to go the traditional mozzarella route, there are a variety of different cheeses available in portable packaging. Cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack are easy to find these days at the grocery store. Of course, you’ll want to eat them within a few hours of leaving the house.

6. Boiled eggs

Boiling a dozen eggs a couple of times a month and keeping them in the fridge will provide you with quick and healthy snacks. It’s best to eat them at home because you don’t want to spend a lot of time without refrigeration, but hard-boiled eggs are easy to prepare, easy to eat, and pack a lot of nutritional power your body needs when you’re on the go. Just be sure to clearly mark the carton containing the hard-boiled eggs so you don’t end up with any mishaps!

With a snack bag packed with a few of these items (and some water, of course), you’ll be ready to satisfy your kids’ hunger and keep up the high energy levels you need as a busy mom.