20 Healthy Snack Ideas
By Kelly Morgan, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Chair, Fundraising and Marketing Committee
The key to healthy snacking is to find foods that have as much nutritional value as possible that will fill you up so you aren’t hungry again a short time later.
For example, a 100-calorie pack of chips or cookies will leave you feeling hungry again a short time later, and they aren't providing you with any nutrients. If you eat a banana and a few almonds, you are eating something nutritious (vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc.) that will fill you up longer (and help you feel better) and help you avoid the sugar crash.
The more whole foods, those that are unprocessed or minimally processed, you eat, the better.
Have different snacks during the week to keep it interesting and to increase the different types of nutrients you are getting.
Here are 20 healthy snack ideas to get you started
Almonds, walnuts or cashews (a small palm full is usually a serving)
Sunflower seeds and raisins
Celery and peanut butter (or any nut butter) 1-2 tbsp
Rice chips with hummus
Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole (for those that just HAVE to have chips).
Vegetable sticks (celery, carrots, cucumber) and hummus or guacamole
Kale chips or zucchini oven chips (make your own) - for recipes visit: AllRecipes.com
Good quality beef jerky
Sweet potato chips or fries (make your own)
Apple slices with nut butter
Pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries
Greek yogurt with granola
Green smoothie or fruit smoothie with ground flax seeds and/or chia seeds
Fresh fruit or fruit salad
Make your own trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
Greek yogurt with fresh fruit
Dinner leftovers
Salad with a variety of vegetables and olive oil-based dressing
Protein bars
Banana and nut butter