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I often confess that I love sweets. As a nutritionist, I always say the same thing. Snacking is not only recommended, but can be part of a healthy diet.
But that depends on the snack! Potato chips, pretzels, cookies, and brownies are delicious snacks, but they aren’t very nutritious. Healthy snacks can fill in nutrient deficiencies in your diet and provide missing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Additionally, snacking can boost your energy levels and prevent you from feeling depressed during the day. After all, food is fuel.
When choosing snacks, I always recommend pairing protein and healthy unsaturated fats with high-fiber carbohydrates. Protein, fat, and fiber contribute to satiety and keep you feeling full between meals. Typical examples are apples for high-fiber carbohydrates and peanut butter for protein and healthy fats. Fortunately, this list includes more creative suggestions.
Here are the top 25 healthy snacks to satisfy your hunger.
cottage cheese and blueberries
Savory cottage cheese pairs perfectly with juicy, sweet berries. This combination is rich in protein and fiber.
Avocado on whole wheat bread
Avocado toast is a healthy and filling snack when made the right way. The standard serving size for an avocado is one third of the fruit. Mash it and spread it on whole wheat bread and squeeze some fresh lime on top. Finish by sprinkling with sea salt.
peanut butter and banana
The combination of sweet banana and rich, flavorful peanut butter is one of my favorites. Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on a banana and enjoy a healthy snack packed with fiber and fat.
greek yogurt with nutella
Adding just one teaspoon of Nutella to plain Greek yogurt creates a slightly sweet, protein-rich snack that helped one nutritionist client lose significant weight.
Served with olive crackers
If you’re craving something salty, have a tablespoon (5-10) of olives, which are rich in healthy fats. Pair it with whole grain or seed crackers for added fiber and protein.
string cheese and orange
You may be surprised to learn that most mozzarella sticks contain 8 grams of protein. Paired with a juicy orange, it’s a snack packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
pistachio and grapes
Pistachios contain 6 grams of protein per ounce. Pair it with antioxidant-rich grapes for a sweet and savory snack.
hummus with red pepper slices
Hummus is most often served with carrots or cucumbers, but why not switch things up and try dipping it with red pepper slices? Red peppers are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, and hummus is a low-calorie, healthy fat that keeps you feeling full.
popcorn and almonds
Popcorn is a healthy whole grain snack that can be easily prepared in the microwave at home. Skip the bagged version and place 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a paper bag, wrap the bag and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and add a handful of almonds for a crunchy bite that will make you feel full.
easy bean salad
Beans, beans, good for your heart! It is also rich in protein and dietary fiber, making it an essential healthy food. Mix your favorite beans with chopped green pepper, a little olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Season with salt and you’ll have a healthy, filling snack in just 5 minutes.
baby burrito
If you’re looking for something more substantial at snack time, fill one small tortilla with black beans and top with 1 tablespoon of salsa and 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese for a baby burrito. It’s delicious even when it’s cold, but if you want to eat it warm, heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds.
microwaveable scrambled eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals and can be cooked in the microwave in 2 minutes. In a large mug or bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of milk, then add your favorite toppings like chopped vegetables or cheese. Heat in the microwave in 30 second increments until the eggs are set.
With instant oatmeal
Unsweetened instant oatmeal contains fiber and protein and is ready in just minutes. Place instant oats in a bowl and sprinkle with milk or soy milk for protein, fresh fruit for fiber, and chopped nuts for healthy fats.
ant on a log
You’re never too old to have ants on your log. This wonderful combination of crunchy celery, luscious peanut butter, and sweet raisins is hearty and satisfying.
Latte with low fat or soy milk
If you want to get your caffeine fix on the go, opt for a latte with low-fat or soy milk. Caffeine is a surefire stimulant, and milk contains 8 grams of protein per 8 ounces.
Edamame
I always keep a bag of frozen edamame in the freezer for cooking or snacking. 1 cup boiled edamame It contains 18 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and just over 200 calories. It is a delicious and powerful food.
Guacamole with carrots
Guacamole is traditionally served with chips, but it’s a healthy and nutritious snack that pairs well with vegetables. Dip baby carrots in homemade guacamole for a quick and easy appetizer.
muesli with yogurt
Muesli is a healthier version of granola. Dry, toasted oats with fruits, nuts, and seeds are an ideal topping for protein-rich yogurt.
roasted chickpeas
Whether you make them from scratch or buy them at the store, crunchy chickpeas are a healthier alternative to potato chips. Contains protein and fiber to satisfy your salt cravings and keep you feeling full.
dates and almond butter
Sweet, chewy dates topped with rich, nutty almond butter are incredibly satisfying. Eating two of these bite-sized snacks is all you need.
strawberry and ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses and contains a significant amount of protein. Use as a sweet strawberry dipping sauce.
Green smoothie made with 3 ingredients
Green smoothie recipes don’t have to be complicated. Mix half a banana, a handful of leafy greens, and half a cup of yogurt with water or milk and a handful of ice for a frozen midday snack.
Served with cucumber slices and tzatziki dip
Tzatziki is a flavorful Greek yogurt dip that pairs perfectly with crunchy cucumber slices.
peanuts and raisins
This is one of my top secret snacks. A handful of unsalted roasted peanuts combined with a quarter cup of raisins tastes like a healthier version of PB&J. You can thank me later!
protein bar
If you don’t have time to chop vegetables or don’t have any fresh produce at home, reach for protein bars, especially those made with nuts and seeds. I recommend bars that contain at least 10 grams of protein and less than 6 grams of sugar. My picks are RX Bar, GoMacro, Perfect Bars, KIND Protein Bars, and CLIF Builders.
