Snacks are a part of your eating pattern. Much of the food you eat can come from snacking, and some people may snack during the day instead of eating traditional meals. It is important to develop healthy habits when it comes to snacking.
You can enjoy snacks as part of your day. If you make healthy choices, snacks can:
keep you energized
help support good health
provide important nutrients
be an important part of daily eating habits
help satisfy your hunger between mealtimes
Here are 6 healthy snacks that help feed that hunger when even the worst craving strikes. These snacks are packed with the good stuff, which means they have other added benefits that are good for your health too, making them all the more pleasurable.
1. Trail mix
Trail mix is made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, so it's a snack the packs a nutritional punch. Not only is it high in protein but it's also heart-healthy and good at lowering your blood sugar. Any seeds in your trail mix are also likely to be packed with tons of minerals and vitamins, including magnesium, according to Healthline. So, while your trail mix is fueling you up during that afternoon slump, it's keeping your heart healthy, too.
2. Red bell pepper with guacamole
The combo of red bell peppers and guac gives you plenty of nutrients that help keep you feeling full for hours. Although all bell peppers are nutritious, red varieties are particularly high in antioxidants. On the other hand, guacamole is a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins A, B, and C, and minerals like phosphorus and potassium. Pairing 1 large red bell pepper with 3 ounces (85 grams) of guacamole combines the best of both foods while keeping this snack’s calorie count under 200.
3. Nuts
Nuts are always a good choice when it comes to healthy snacking, as they are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. If your goal is weight loss, Livestrong recommends nuts for their ability to keep you fuller longer than other snacks. While all nuts are nutritious, certain ones offer different benefits. For example, hazelnuts are high in folate, which helps your cells grow, and Brazil nuts are packed with selenium, which can help with thyroid disease. Just be careful not to overdo it when snacking. While nuts are packed with good fats, it can still be easy to go overboard it when it comes to portion sizing. Eating nuts in moderation (like all good things) is the best way to properly enjoy the all benefits that nuts have to offer. And be sure to stick to the raw nuts instead of those that are covered in salt or sugar. Mayo Clinic warns these kinds may taste good, but unsurprisingly aren't as nutritious as raw nuts.
4. Greek yogurt and mixed berries
Plain Greek yogurt and berries make a delicious, nutrient-dense snack. Greek yogurt is high in protein, and berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants around. Add a mixture of differently colored berries to your yogurt to get an array of nutrients — and a mix of their sweet and tart flavors.
5. Apple slices with peanut butter
Apples and peanut butter are a match made in heaven — both nutritionally and flavor-wise. On one hand, apples are a fiber-rich fruit. On the other hand, peanuts provide healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber — pretty much all of the filling nutrients you should look for in a snack. By combining apples with peanut butter, you’ll enjoy a crisp and creamy snack. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added flavor boost. Note that many store-bought peanut butter brands contain added sugars and oils. Check the ingredient list and choose one that only contains peanuts and salt.
6. Edamame
Edamame have lots of health benefits to chew on. According to Well + Good, they are high in protein so you get a ton of natural energy when eating edamame and stay full longer after enjoying them. Healthline also says they are also packed with fiber and vitamin K, and have the power to help lower cholesterol, resulting in edamame being one healthy snack.
