There’s a great Michael Pollan quote that always causes pause:

If you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you’re probably not hungry. 

The point being to ask yourself if you’re truly experiencing hunger, and if that’s the case an apple will absolutely fix the problem. The apple is the best grab-and-go snack. There’s no prep, there’s no need for dishes or utensils, and there’s no waste (outside of a biodegradable core). Sometimes we’re so hungry — even hangry — and we can’t spare the extra brain cells to put so much as a PBJ together to get us through. Fortunately, there are no brainer snacks, like the apple, that require so little of us and give so much back.

No matter what your reason is for grabbing a quick little bite, try one of these snacks that you don’t even have to think about. These are things you could walk into any drugstore, grocery store, or well-stocked pantry or desk drawer and grab. They require minimal effort and practically zero clean-up, all the while shutting down our internal hunger monster before it needs its own anger translator.

Handful of nuts — Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans, crack those shells and enjoy a protein boost. About a handful is one serving.

Clementines — They even sell these with kids meals at Chipotle, now! These tiny oranges take only a few seconds to effortlessly peel for a sweet treat.

Yogurt Cup — Make sure it has all of the probiotic goodies — like most Greek yogurts — and isn’t chock full of added sugars. We’ve even seen people turn the foil lid into an on-the-go spoon!

Protein Bar — Seems obvious but don’t overlook these in your blind hunger rage. Everything from apple pie to chunky fudge brownies gets mimicked inside all of that protein.

Raisins — Tiny lunchbox packs of raisins make for a super simple and satisfying little snack. Lots of fiber and vitamins to, ya know, keep everything moving.

Cheese stick — Unwrap and eat! Doesn’t get much easier than this, plus it pairs well with everything. Cheese and apples, cheese and carrot sticks, cheese and crackers…

Squeezy Fruit — It may look like baby food, but those trendy squeeze packs of pureed fruit and veggies can really satisfy when you’re in a pinch.

Peanut Butter — Keep the single-serve packs in your purse or desk drawer for a quick treat you can eat straight from the pack. Or, put it on apples, cheese, crackers, carrots…

Granola Bars — Once again, any version that looks like more than a candy bar is a completely acceptable snack. Look for dried cherries or other fruits, nuts, and even some chocolate chips.

Bananas — Much like the apple, it practically feeds itself to you. It’s especially tasty with some of that peanut butter you may have on you.

Chocolate Milk — No really, a brand or homemade that isn’t completely filled with sugar is actually a highly recommended recovery snack for athletes. One indulgent glass will perk you right up.

Popcorn — Those little bags of pre-popped popcorn are the perfect little whole grain snack you can eat anywhere. Totally filling, not to mention fun to eat.

Baby Carrots — Crunch and munch all you want because there is nothing to this snack. Pair with the peanut butter, cheese stick, a tiny to-go cup of hummus, or even those guacamole squeeze packs. It’s alllll good!

What’s your favorite easy snack?