What I love most about living a healthy lifestyle in comparison to being on a diet is that there are no restrictions and snacking is actually encouraged! Have you ever seen that Snicker's commercial where the slogan is "you're not you when you're hungry?" Well, that is me. My husband and my mom know better than anyone that I need to have a snack available to me at any given time, cause I get HANGRY. I am here to share 10 healthy but satisfying snacks with you, so that the next time you find yourself needing to munch on something you will choose one of these options over something that lacks nutrients and isn't going to fuel your body.
Hummus
As I have mentioned in a previous post, I looove hummus. When I am in need of a snack, this is usually my go-to option. Not only is hummus delicious, it is also a great source of protein which makes for a satisfying and filling snack. I either like to have hummus on a piece of whole wheat toast, or as a dip with cut up vegetables. I don't count calories- but veggies are great because they are low calorie, and you can eat as much as you want without any guilt. For your convenience, try to "meal prep" vegetables once a week and have them all washed and cut up. I guarantee you will be more likely to reach for vegetables that are ready to eat! Nobody wants to do all that work when you are already hungry. You can also find individual hummus cups at the grocery store and Sam's/Costco that are great to pack for a snack when you are at work, school, or traveling.
Protein Bars
I am a big fan of protein bars. Well- let me specify, I am a big fan of protein bars with healthy and minimal ingredients. A good rule of thumb is if you can't pronounce it, you probably don't need to be eating it. My all time FAVORITE protein bar is from the brand GoMacro. They have so many amazing flavors, and all bars are vegan, gluten free, organic, non- GMO, soy free, made with clean ingredients, and certified raw. They also carry some nut free options. The best flavor in my opinion is cashew caramel, which has 11 grams of protein but you really can't go wrong with any flavor. Another great brand to check out is Larabar, which has 9 or less ingredients in each bar and are also vegan, non- GMO, soy free, and gluten free, and the sugar found in both bars comes from natural sources, there are no artificial sweeteners added. Protein bars are something you can just throw in your bag or keep in your car and have readily available when you need a snack.
Chips and Salsa
Chips? Healthy? Hear me out... I'm not suggesting you go buy a bag of chips and eat them all in one sitting, what I do believe is everything is okay moderation and quite frankly I can't live without chips and salsa. Salsa is actually made up of very healthy ingredients, and there are many tortilla chips options out there with minimal ingredients. Some of my favorite salsa brands are 505, Mrs. Renfro's, Green Mountain Gringo, and good ol' Pace. There are so many great options out there! As for the tortilla chips, I love Whole Food's 365 brand, Garden of Eatin' Blue Chips, Mission, and Late July! Life is too short to not eat chips and salsa 😋
Dates
Never in a million years did I think I would be someone who enjoyed snacking on dates. Dates are a great snack when you find yourself needing a little energy boost! They are high in fiber, potassium, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and other vitamins and minerals. Dates have a caramel texture and flavor which is very enjoyable. My favorite way to snack on these is when they are topped with some creamy peanut butter and cacao nibs. Yuuuum.
Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a very nutritious and overall satisfying, especially if you are looking for a sweeter snack option. Chia seeds are packed with protein, making it a snack that will keep you fuller for longer. This is a great snack to meal prep, and you can grab a jar on your way out the door in the morning, or just have ready in your fridge for anytime of the day. Here is a very basic chia pudding recipe, feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients (coconut, berries, nuts, etc.)
Energy Balls
What I love about these is that they taste so indulgent but they are as healthy as they are tasty. There are so many varieties you can make, so get creative! I already have another post going in depth about how I make my favorite carrot cake energy balls, so be sure to check that out :) Whether it is for a mid-morning snack or after dinner, or whenever you just need something quick and yummy, these are enjoyable any time of day!
Nuts
Nuts are one of the best things you can snack that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. They are a healthy source of fat, fibrous, and high in protein. I would recommend making your own trail mix by making use out of the bulk section at your grocery store! This will allow you to get a variety of nuts for a lower price. If buying packaged nuts, try to avoid oils and added salt. Raw is the best option. If you decide to make your own trail mix try adding dried fruit, mulberries, coconut chips, or dark chocolate- because a little chocolate never hurt anyone ;)
Apple with nut butter
This one is pretty self explanatory! There is something about the *crunch* of certain foods that make it more satisfying than others. Apples are naturally sweet, but won't give you the dreaded sugar spike and crash that some sweet snacks do. Nut butter is also a good source of protein and healthy fats which will make you feel fuller for longer. If you are at home and want to try something new, try making these apple nachos! Be sure to come back to pop nourish on Wednesday for a post dedicated to nut butters.
Wasa Cracker
If me recommending this isn't an indication of me basically being Swedish now then I don't know what is! Wasa is a Swedish brand but can be found at most grocery stores, and World Market in the USA. If you are craving crackers and wanting to make a healthier choice, Wasa crackers are a great option! My favorite is the multigrain variety, I want to show you the ingredients so you can see how simple and healthy they are: Whole grain rye flour, Sourdough, Oat Flakes, Whole grain wheat flour, Whole grain oat flour, Whole grain barley flour, Yeast, Barley malt extract * (Sunflower Lecithin), Salt. This may come as a shock, but I like to top my crackers with hummus!
Popcorn
Last but not least, good ol' popcorn! Popcorn is a great snack because you can eat a lot at once, and not feel any guilt. I don't know about you, but I like snacks that last longer than a few bites. Although microwaveable popcorn is the most convenient option, it isn't the healthiest or most cost efficient choice! Next time you want popcorn, try making it with kernels on the stove. All you need is to coat the bottom of the pan with oil, I use coconut oil. Once it is melted, add 1/4 c of kernels to the pan. Once the first couple kernels pop, add the lid and swirl the pan around constantly over medium heat until you don't hear anymore popping. Easy! Another option is to buy a bag of popcorn at the store, just make sure there are no unnecessary added ingredients.
I hope you found some inspiration for healthy snacking in this post! If you have a favorite that I didn't mention I would love to know what it is!
Photo by Juliet Furst on Unsplash
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