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

  1. Almonds, walnuts or cashews (a small palm full is usually a serving)

  2. Sunflower seeds and raisins

  3. Celery and peanut butter (or any nut butter) 1-2 tbsp

  4. Rice chips with hummus

  5. Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole (for those that just HAVE to have chips).

  6. Vegetable sticks (celery, carrots, cucumber) and hummus or guacamole

  7. Kale chips or zucchini oven chips (make your own) - for recipes visit: AllRecipes.com

  8. Good quality beef jerky

  9. Sweet potato chips or fries (make your own)

  10. Apple slices with nut butter

  11. Pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries

  12. Greek yogurt with granola

  13. Green smoothie or fruit smoothie with ground flax seeds and/or chia seeds

  14. Fresh fruit or fruit salad

  15. Make your own trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit

  16. Greek yogurt with fresh fruit

  17. Dinner leftovers

  18. Salad with a variety of vegetables and olive oil-based dressing

  19. Protein bars

  20. Banana and nut butter

BlogRhonda Watson