Everyone snacks. It’s even easy to argue that people need a little nibble between meals: it’s the perfect way to keep the energy up, fill in nutritional holes, and manage blood sugar.
But snacking gets a bad rep. Why? Generally, most people think of snack food as junk food. Don’t get me wrong, there is room for the occasional chocolate bar or bowl of chips, but those aren’t the kind of snacks you want to be picking.
Advertisement
Healthy snacks are tasty, versatile, and easy to eat on the go. Here are some of the best snacks to help keep you feeling good.
Crunchy Stuff: Texture is a big part of snacking, so here are some healthy foods that can offer some crunch while you munch:
- Carrots and celery
- Apples and pears
- Bell pepper slices
- Roasted chickpeas
- Zucchini/cucumber slices
- Popcorn
- Rice cakes
- Nuts and Seeds
Washing It Down: Enjoy your snack, and make it more filling with a drink. Get rid of high-sugar sodas and energy drinks and try replacing them with:
- Plain or sparkling water (add fruit or herbs for a little more)
- Milk
- Unsweetened coffee or tea – a little bit of sweetness may be ok
- A small glass of 100 percent fruit juice
- Low sodium tomato or mixed vegetable juice
Satiating Snacks: Here are some options that can help fill you up.
- Whole grain toast topped with peanut or almond butter
- Cherry tomatoes with hummus
- Low-fat cheese
- Plain low-fat yogurt (pair with some fruit, nuts, nut butter, or seeds)
- Fruit and veggie smoothie
Snacks to Satisfy A Sweet Tooth
- Canned fruit (in natural juice or light syrup)
- A thin slice of angel food cake or homemade banana nut bread
- Baked apple
- Raisins, dates, figs, and other unsweetened dried fruits
- Frozen grapes
- Fresh fruit salad
- Watermelon
You can play around with this stuff and combine flavors and textures, too. There are a lot more heart-healthy snack options than what’s listed here!
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
