Eliana Lakritz MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian, Baystate Noble Hospital (WNG file photo)
by Eliana Lakritz MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian, Baystate Noble Hospital
If we are being honest, almost everyone snacks—either daily or occasionally. Snacking itself it not a “bad” habit at all. It definitely has its place, especially if you go long durations between full meals. The trick is to be prepared with healthy options so that you do not make impulsive choices. Cravings may arise between meals naturally. Being able to identify what kind of flavor/texture you are craving—salty, sweet, creamy or crunchy—can help guide you toward a healthy yet satisfying choice. Easy to grab options are also very realistic for a busy schedule. Here are some convenient, healthy snack options that will satisfy whatever it is you have a hankering for.
Crunchy Munchies:
- Nuts or seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
- Baby carrots, peppers, snap peas or cucumber slices with hummus
- Roasted chickpeas
- Whole wheat crackers
- Apple or pear slices
- 1 serving of homemade trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit, whole wheat cereal)
Salty Snacks:
- Rice cakes
- 1 tbsp nut or seed butter
- Low-fat cheese stick
- Nuts/seeds
- Lightly salted popcorn
- Kashi, Rx or Kind bars
Sweet Sensations:
- Fresh Fruit (berries, grapes, melon, peaches)
- Yogurt
- Dried fruit without added sugar (box of raisins, prunes, apricots, banana)
- Fat-free cottage cheese with pineapple
- Fruit hummus with whole wheat crackers
- Sugar-free jello
- Frozen grapes
Soft and Creamy Bites:
- Whole wheat English muffin with hummus
- Mashed avocado on ½ whole wheat pita
- Hard boiled eggs
- 1 tbsp nut/seed butter
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
Chia seed pudding (recipe: https://www.theroastedroot.net/how-to-make-chia-seed-pudding/)
