The day is just way better with snacks. (Am I right, or am I right?) Snacks are a low-lift way to bridge the gap between meals.
They can give you an extra burst of much-needed energy to get you through that late morning meeting or keep hunger at bay as you sit in rush hour traffic waiting to make it home in time for dinner.
Whether you’re restocking your desk-side pantry or looking for healthy late-night snacks, here are some easy healthy snacks that are more nutrient-dense and filling than you might expect.
Easy healthy snacks
1. Cheese
“Cheese is often criticized for being high in fat, but fat is a huge source of energy,” says Patricia Kolesa MS, RDN. “Plus, cheese is a good source of protein, which can help keep you full when paired with a carbohydrate.” Kolsea suggests pairing cheese with crackers or fruit for a filling in-between meals snack.
2. Dark chocolate
Got a sweet tooth? Grab a piece of dark chocolate. Naturally high in antioxidants, flavanols, and minerals, dark chocolate (85% or higher) is an easy healthy snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your other favorite foods.
According to the Food Network, dark chocolate pairs perfectly with foods like:
- Almonds
- Bananas
- Candied ginger
- Dried pears
- Goji berries
- Grapes
- Mini rice cakes
- Orange segments
- Plantain chips
- Roasted chickpeas
3. Dried fruit and fresh fruit
Munching on dried fruit is an easy way to add powerful antioxidants and fiber to your diet. (Plus, it makes for a great option when your favorite fresh fruit is currently out of season or unavailable!)
The same can be said about fresh fruit. Kolesa says fruit is often criticized for having sugar, but fruits have fiber along with different vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C that can help with healthy skin, immunity, and vision.
4. Popcorn
When you think of popcorn, you may not always think of nutritional benefits. But it turns out popcorn actually provides a ton of dietary fiber.
“Popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack,” notes the American Heart Association. “That is because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and other health problems.”
A cup of plain popcorn contains 5% of your daily recommended value of fiber and is brimming with polyphenols. Polyphenols are an antioxidant that has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. As if you even needed more reasons to enjoy a handful (or two) of popcorn.
5. Nut butter
Nut butter, like peanut butter, is filling due to its protein and fat content. PB specifically contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, two types of unsaturated fats that can help lower your cholesterol. It’s also a good source of several vitamins and minerals including vitamin E.
For an easy healthy snack, try pairing a serving of peanut butter (2 tablespoons) with a sliced apple. Yum!
The bottom line: The next time you’re rummaging around in your kitchen looking for a healthy late-night snack, grab one of these easy healthy snacks. Your stomach (and tastebuds) will thank you!
