Try these quick and easy snacks the next time hunger hits!
When you’re in the mood for a snack, it can be easy to reach for something that’s not the most nutritious, like prepackaged snacks or something from a fast-food drive-thru.
By coming up with healthy snack ideas and preparing them in advance, you can fend off those cravings and satisfy hunger while sticking to your health goals!
Here are ten healthy snack ideas that are quick and satisfying!
- Apples with nut butter
- Veggies and hummus
- Guacamole dip
- A handful of nuts
- Whole grain toast
- Roasted chickpeas
- Air-popped popcorn
- Kale chips
- Fruit smoothies
- Healthy muffins
Let’s check out these healthy snack ideas and look at their nutritional benefits!
Apples with nut butter
Nut butters are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help you feel satisfied after your snack. Peanut butter and almond butter are two popular options that pair well with fresh, crunchy, fiber-filled apples. Just choose natural nut butters without added sugars. You can also use celery and raisins instead of apples to recreate the nostalgic “ants on a log” snack!
Veggies and hummus
Hummus is a wonderful Middle Eastern spread that offers a healthy, versatile snack option. These days, most grocery stores have a many different hummus flavors, from traditional to garlic to roasted red pepper. This chickpea-tahini dip is an excellent source of plant protein and fiber, fights inflammation, and boosts heart health. Pair it with carrots, cucumbers, peppers, or your other favorite veggies!
Guacamole dip
Any veggie you can eat with hummus also pairs well with guacamole dip! Avocados offer another satisfying healthy fat with a variety of antioxidants to boot. Other healthy natural ingredients in guacamole can include hot peppers, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and tomatoes, which combine for a flavor explosion.
A handful of nuts
This healthy snack idea has the same health benefits as nut butter with fewer steps! Here are nine of the healthiest nuts, including almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and more. Since nuts are calorie-dense, a small handful is all you need to boost your energy.
Whole grain toast
Sometimes the perfect snack for a cold day is a piece of toast with a little butter, cinnamon, or low-sugar fruit jam. Whole grains are healthy ingredients that lower your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and more. Sprouted whole grain bread is probably at the top of the health rankings, but other great options include whole-wheat bread, whole-grain bread with oat and flax, and more.
Roasted chickpeas
Do you prefer crunchy snacks instead of dips? Roasted chickpeas are a fantastic option that’s easy to make! All you need is an oven, some olive oil, and your favorite spices for a protein-packed healthy snack.
Air-popped popcorn
Most microwaveable popcorn is packaged with a lot of oil and salt, but if you pop your own, you can control the ingredients and make a healthier snack. You don’t even need a popcorn machine if you follow a stovetop popcorn recipe. Put on a movie and enjoy the fiber and antioxidants you’re munching down!
Kale chips
Kale chips are one of those healthy snack ideas that don’t sound very good until you try them. They’re crispy, flavorful, easy to make, and downright addictive! Some favorite kale chip seasonings (beyond the classic salt and olive oil) include garlic powder, nutritional yeast (which gives an umami, almost cheesy flavor), soy sauce, or hot sauce.
Fruit smoothies
A smoothie can work as a breakfast, a lunch, or a snack, depending on how nutrient-dense and caloric you want to make it! Smoothies are incredibly customizable — you can pick any combination of fruits, add a handful of healthy greens, and use protein powder for muscle-building power. Check out this green smoothie guide!
Healthy muffins
For a hearty grab-and-go snack option, choose a healthy muffin recipe to bake in advance of your work week! From zucchini muffins to pumpkin muffins to healthy blueberry or apple muffins, they’re a tasty option to have on hand. Focus on recipes that use whole grains and use minimal or natural sweeteners.
Next, check out some of our favorite trail mix recipes for even more healthy snack ideas!
