If you think snacking is what’s standing between you and your 2019 health goals, it might be time to give your snack arsenal a face lift. Healthy snacks can play an important role in your overall fitness and wellness aspirations. In fact, snacking can actually keep your health and nutrition goals on track by keeping you from getting too hungry and making poor food choices. What’s the key to making snacks work for you? It’s all about healthy ingredients and smart portion size.
Try one of these 4 healthy snacks to keep your appetite in check.
Trail Mix
When it comes to convenience it’s hard to top trail mix. It’s easy to eat on the go, comes together quickly, and it can be prepped in large batches and portioned out for a week’s worth of snacking.
Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened dried fruits of your choice
- 3 cups roasted nuts and seeds
Directions: Mix dried fruits and roasted nuts and seeds together, and store in an airtight container. Grab a small handful when you need a little snack on the go.
Serving size: ¼ cup
Feta and Olive Oil Tomato
Tomatoes traditionally play the supporting role in most dishes, taking the backseat as a garnish or flavor enhancer. This savory snack gives them the chance to shine!
Ingredients
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 oz feta or mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil to taste
Directions: Top tomato slices with fresh basil, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with feta or mozzarella cheese.
Serving size: 1 medium tomato
Peanut Butter Banana Berry Split
When your sweet tooth starts calling, it can be hard to resist raiding the cupboards. Give your taste buds the flavor they’re craving without sabotaging your diet goals.
Ingredients
- 1 banana; sliced vertically
- 1 tsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
- 1 handful of berries of your choice
Directions: Spread peanut butter on banana. Top with chopped walnuts and berries.
Serving size: 1 banana
Roasted Chickpeas
These roasted chickpeas take a little more prep work than the other snacks, but their salty and satisfying crunch is well worth it! Reach for these when a potato chip craving hits.
Ingredients
- 1 15.5 oz can of chickpeas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional spices
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
Directions: Drain and rinse the chickpeas and remove as much excess water as possible. Toss chickpeas with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Spread chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast at 400º for 30 minutes.
Serving size: ¾ cup
What is your go-to healthy snacks? Share them with us on our facebook page!