Is snacking good for you? It comes naturally to a lot of people to eat small portions throughout a busy day. These frequent grazers may be on to something. 

Here are some of the benefits of snacks:

• Satiates hunger and cravings

• Boosts and sustains energy

• Aids weight control

• Promotes recovery 

• Improves your mood

• Offers more chances to eat fruits and vegetables

Snacking doesn’t have to be unhealthy at all. The advice “Eat when you’re hungry” seems like a recipe for disaster, but it all depends on what you choose to graze on. 

So why not indulge in these healthy and delicious snacks that balance flavor with nutrition?

1. Vegan Cookies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with vegan cookies. What makes this version unique is the use of chickpeas instead of flour. You can also skip the free-range eggs, as this dough does not require any animal-based ingredients.

When mixed with nut butter of your choice or dark chocolate chips, you’ve got a real winner. It may require more effort than normal, but when do good things ever come easy?

2. Sweet Potato Fries

Chances are you’re dreaming of a whole bowl of golden french fries. But did you know that one serving of fries has a whopping 11 grams of fat? If you’re on a health cleanse, this can set you back quite a bit.

Instead, give sweet potato fries a try. Slice them up, add a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings, then finish them off in the oven. What you’ll have is nothing short of mouth-smackingly enjoyable fries.  

3. Crudites With Hummus

Crudites are sticks of raw vegetables that are served with a dip. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips, go for crunchy root crops. Turn these into sticks or discs: carrots, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, and radishes. You can also include olives, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and pickled green beans. The more color on your platter, the better. 

You can serve crudites as a summer snack or appetizer. Don’t forget the dip. Avoid the usual salty, store-bought dips. Instead, make your hummus by blending chickpeas, garlic, and tahini into a creamy mash. 

4. Popcorn

This noisy, low-calorie snack is full of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. At 31 calories per serving, popcorn compares favorably with most snacks. Plus, you feel satiated quickly when eating this popular treat.

Create a healthy version by air-popping the corn kernels. Skip the butter and replace it with olive oil and a dash of salt.

5. Apples With Peanut Butter

Too tired to cook or chop a ton of vegetables? There’s a reason this snack is popular with toddlers (and their exhausted moms). All you need are apples and a jar of peanut butter for a filling treat. 

You can make this fancy by creating apple “sandwiches.” Slice the apples into thin discs, then slather peanut butter between them. Add raisins for more fiber. But if you’re pressed for time, just get a spoon. Take a bite of the apple, swallow a dollop of peanut butter, repeat.  

6. PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds or TakeOut Meal-In-A-Bag Puffs

Worried about missing out on all your favorite chip flavors? You won’t need to with Outstanding Foods’ products. For simpler tastes, go for basic Salt & Vinegar. If you’re feeling more adventurous, opt for the uber spicy Nacho Cheese and Texas BBQ flavors. 

These nutritious snacks eliminate your desire for unhealthy oil-soaked chips. They are pareve and under OU supervision.

Healthy Snacks for the Win

Being healthy does not mean giving up your midday treat. It’s okay for well-chosen snacks to make up an important portion of your daily diet, especially for busy teens and adults. 

Don’t let your hangry self get the best of you. Snack wisely. Every calorie counts.