Healthy snack alternatives -
Many of us are simply snacking on auto-pilot. Break the rut and see how it goes! The new year is still fresh, and National Snack Food Month is an excellent opportunity to keep the momentum going with fresh and healthy snack food options.
If you need guidance on your snack time decisions, schedule a visit with Center for Family Medicine. This site requires JavaScript and you do not have it enabled.
You may find that many things on the site don't work, including all submission forms. Please enable JavaScript. Skip to content Snack Time! Kale is known for being one super green and we can't argue with that. With all its health benefits including the possible protection against cancer and type 2 diabetes, according to Medical News Today , plus the ability to help support a healthy heart kale is a vegetable you shouldn't say no to.
Eating kale for dinner is great, but so is chowing down on it during snack time. We love kale chips because they are the healthier option when craving a crispy snack.
com says these crispy leafy greens can help add energy to your day, and since they are low in calories, you can go all in and enjoy as many as you like without concern about your diet goals. And another good thing about kale chips? They are super easy to make.
All you have to do is bake them in the oven with your favorite seasonings can't go wrong with the classic sea salt and garlic and voila! The thing about chia pudding is that it looks super indulgent, but is still really good for you.
The key ingredient is chia seeds, which according to WebMD are high in fiber and have antioxidants that can help fight against inflammation. Not only are these seeds good for your body, but they have a mild nutty taste that is really versatile, so they can be added to just about any dish says Bob's Red Mill , no matter the flavor profile.
Chia pudding is as filling as it is tasty, so you won't get any of those pesky hunger pains an hour after you snack. If you're interested in planning ahead, we suggest you try out cardamom coconut chia pudding made with overnight oats.
You can prep the night before, so all you have to worry about the next morning is eating. We know, we know. Avocado toast is such a trendy dish that it's almost overdone. But we can't deny how great this healthy snack is for filling you up and while still enjoying what you're eating.
Good Housekeeping says avocados are packed with fiber and healthy fats, and when you choose the right bread to go along with it, say, of the multi-grain variety you'll get even more fiber in that slice of toast, too.
Your cholesterol and digestive system will thank you. Another reason why we still can't get enough of avocado toast? It's just so darn easy to make, right down to only really needing the two ingredients. However, this simple dish is also incredibly versatile one more reason for our loyal love affair so you can mix things up by adding in other items, such as salmon, sesame seeds, tomato, or onion.
Naturally, nothing says mid-morning snacking like a poached egg on top. Speaking of avocados, you'll get plenty of them and all their benefits by whipping up a fresh bowl of guacamole. Since it's made with avocados which, as stated above, are packed with healthy fats , snacking on guacamole is a solid choice.
It may look light, but thanks to those smashed avocados, guacamole is one of those snacks that, according to CookingLight, will help keep you fuller longer. And when you add in the other traditional guacamole ingredients, you get even more health benefits not to mention so much flavor.
Chopped red onion offers not only a nice bite but can help with your digestive system thanks to its prebiotics, says SwedishAmerican. The tomatoes are packed with antioxidants that can keep your heart healthy, while the cilantro can help with inflammation.
When figuring out what to pair with your guacamole, opt for baked tortilla chips but don't go overboard, as LiveStrong says they can be high in sodium. Veggies, like celery or bell peppers, are also great alternatives if you're looking to steer clear of chips entirely. If you're looking for an all-around good snack that is a good source of protein and calcium, Healthline says cottage cheese is your match.
Thanks to being packed with protein along with its thick texture , cottage cheese can fill you up while fueling your body with B vitamins and other nutrients. Plus, cottage cheese is a low-calorie snack, so it will work well with just about any diet.
Plain cottage cheese isn't packed with a ton of flavor, but that's what makes it so perfect. It's a great accompaniment to a variety of other ingredients, such as fresh herbs and veggies we love mixing in some dill and cucumber or tomato and basil or fruits like banana and pineapple.
If you don't have any fresh fruit or veggies on hand, don't worry. Try mixing in applesauce with a touch of cinnamon for a sweet, easy snack.
Dark chocolate and almonds are the perfect combination of something sweet and crunchy, but did you know it can also offer some health benefits? Dark chocolate can not only help with keeping your heart healthy but can also boost your mood, according to The Daily Meal , making you feel downright good while eating it.
Dark chocolate can also help keep your gut healthy and make sure your metabolism stays in check, thanks to fiber that "encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut," explains Everyday Health.
According to LiveStrong , almonds are high in protein so they give you that boost of energy when needed to power through that afternoon crash.
Mix them together with dark chocolate and you get a healthy snack that offers a lot in just a few bites. But don't get too carried away — Healthline states that while dark chocolate might have less fat and calories than other candy, it still has a high-fat content, as do nuts.
Eating too much of this snack all in one sitting may have you feeling too full come dinner. Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are a protein-packed legume thanks to having all nine essential amino acids, according to Fitness Gene that are considered one helluva "superfood" by some.
Medical News Today says that chickpeas also contain choline, which can help with memory and muscle control. And since they are high in dietary fiber, chickpeas have the ability to help lower cholesterol and keep your digestive system working properly, states WebMD.
While you can simply eat these little guys straight out of the can, roasting them will really take this snack to the next level. One of the simplest ways to roast chickpeas is by sprinkling them with olive oil, sea salt, and curry powder, and popping them into the oven.
The end result will offer some serious flavor without being too overwhelming. If you're looking for something different, there are endless ways to flavor your roast chickpeas, such as our sweet and spiced maple za'atar recipe.
A can of tuna can be a fantastic snack for when you're really hungry since it's made of lean protein, according to WebMD. The fish is also a good source of vitamin D, which can help not only your bone health but also boost your immunity. On top of all that, Healthline says canned tuna contains iron and omega-3 fatty acids, all good things that will help you fight fatigue and keep your heart healthy.
You don't even have to get fancy when eating canned tuna, which makes it all the better. Choose to stir a little mayonnaise and capers for some added flavor and a smooth texture, and pair with low-fat or whole wheat crackers.
If you want something heartier, try adding beans or an egg for even more protein that will definitely keep you full until dinnertime, like a mini niçoise salad. When we think of smoothies, we right away think of a nutritious snack — but some smoothies can be packed with sugar, especially if they are pre-made.
If you're going to make you're own or order one fresh from a juice bar which we think is the best way to enjoy a smoothie , you'll have the power to keep it as healthy as you want by using only whole foods, says Simple Green Smoothies.
Order or make your smoothie with no added sugars the natural sugars from the fruit will make it sweet enough and consider adding some protein think of all the nutritious ingredients we discussed earlier: yogurt, almond or peanut butter, avocado, and chia seeds to help keep you full throughout the day.
The health benefits of a smoothie really depend on what you put in it, so choose wisely. Fruits and vegetables all have their own health benefits, and while you don't necessarily need to add protein, it is a great way to keep yourself from any additional snacking, therefore making it the heartiest and healthiest option.
Who doesn't love a big ol' bowl of ice cream after a long day? Luckily for anyone with a sweet tooth, swapping your favorite ice cream with frozen yogurt can help you stick to your diet plan. This frozen treat is not only tasty but can also help benefit your digestive system, says LiveStrong , as it can contain live bacterial cultures.
Other benefits of eating frozen yogurt can include helping with bone density and heart health via Organic Facts.
Frozen yogurt is generally also lower in calories and fat than ice cream, just be sure to read your nutrition label and watch out for too much added sugar. Treat frozen yogurt like how you'd treat your ice cream and top it off with your favorite toppings, including fresh fruits or roasted strawberries , walnuts, or some chocolate sauce opt for dark chocolate, as we know that has the most health benefits.
You can also get crafty and make frozen yogurt bark , a popular snack made of berries, yogurt, and honey, all frozen together on a baking sheet. Just break off and enjoy. Growing up, chances are you enjoyed ants on a log as an after-school snack — but this healthy treat doesn't have to just be for kids.
Ants on a log or peanut butter spread over celery and topped with raisins is a great snack for just about anyone, especially those looking for a healthy, easy, and nutritious option, says Michigan State University. This simple, three-ingredient snack is easy to make and has plenty to offer, including protein thank you, peanut butter , a satisfying crunch courtesy of the celery, and a touch of sweetness from the raisins.
This oldie-but-goodie can be customized to your liking, too. While the standard ingredients work well, Healthy Little Foodies says you can always change things up by using a banana or cucumber instead of celery, or cream cheese rather than peanut butter.
So, skip the vending machine and satisfy the afternoon munchies with a nutritious snack you packed from home.
You'll save money and get a bigger bang for your nutritional buck. One serving of hummus is 2 tablespoons, which has close to 2 g of fiber, per the USDA. Satisfy your hunger by pairing hummus with raw vegetables like sliced bell peppers, celery and carrot sticks.
Pictured recipe: Slow Cooker Overnight Oatmeal with Apples and Walnuts. Oatmeal is a complex carb that helps fill you up without spiking your blood sugar. Plus, it's a good source of fiber, and eating more fiber helps people manage their weight.
While we think of it typically as a breakfast item, a small bowl of oats also makes a hearty, filling and delicious snack.
To make this snack more convenient, keep a packet or two of unsweetened instant oatmeal at your desk or make overnight oats in a Mason jar. Pictured recipe: Homemade Trail Mix. Dried fruit is a portable and nutritious snack.
Eating fruit helps with weight management because it's packed with filling fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Look for dried fruit with no sugar or sweeteners added and pair it with nuts as a snack that offers a balance of healthy carbs and protein—and more staying power. Dried fruit is also a great option to keep at your desk at work.
Snacks can absolutely fit into your diet if you're trying to manage your weight. Having a plan for the types of healthy snacks you pack for work and on the go will help diversify your food selection, vary the nutrients you get and keep you from getting hangry between meals.
Remember, think nutrient-dense fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals , and your snacks will help you get the nutrition your body needs and keep you full. Use limited data to select advertising.
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Can I Snack and Still Lose Weight? What If I'm Hungry in the Evening? Dried Fruit. The Bottom Line. The Best Breakfast Foods for Weight Loss, According to a Dietitian. Was this page helpful?
The Healthy snack alternatives Picks team writes about stuff Healtht think Digestive health tips like. Business Insider has affiliate xlternatives, so we get a share of Heqlthy revenue from your purchase. Whether I'm at school, at work, or traveling, I've never been one to go from breakfast to lunch to dinner without snacking on something in between. It's a good idea to keep your stomach occupied in order to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Snacking is also understandable if you simply love food.
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