Healthy snacks have been at an all-time high lately. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, incorporate some immune-boosting foods into your diet, or just switch to clean eating and avoid processed foods as much as possible, there are so many different healthy snacks you can try out. Ranging from sweet to savory, low-calorie to high-calorie, the possibilities are endless. In this article, you’ll find 15 healthy snack ideas that are super simple and extremely nutritious. The list starts with savory snacks and then moves on to sweet snacks. Enjoy!
Beet chips
A delicious and healthy take on potato chips. Beets have many proven health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving brain health, and lowering blood pressure. Cut some beets into very thin slices and toss the slices into a bowl of olive oil and salt. Leave the beets in the oil for about 15 minutes and then remove them. Bake in the oven for about 50 minutes at 300 degrees until nice and crispy.
Nuts
Nuts are the perfect snack to take whenever you’re on the go or are just in the mood for something simple but filling. The consumption of nuts has been linked to increased weight loss, lowered cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation, among many other benefits. Different types of nuts have different types of benefits, so try switching them up or eating a mix of them!
Cucumber
Yeah yeah, cucumbers may not sound like the most delicious snack option. But if you feel like you just need to munch on something and you’re not sure exactly what you want, cucumbers are the perfect option. They’re super healthy, low in calories, and go great with hummus or a Greek yogurt dip.
Veggie sticks with hummus
Instead of having cream cheese spreads, go for hummus! There are plenty of delicious store-bought brands but you can easily make hummus at home! Add some chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, oil, and salt to a food processor and blend until smooth. Eat the hummus with some carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, or pretty much any veggie you want!
Avocado toast
This may sound like more of a meal but it can be a great snack too! Mash about a third of an avocado, add some salt, pepper and lemon, and spread it over a toasted piece of bread. If you’re feeling it, you can also add an egg or some salmon on top.
Sweet potato fries
Sweet potatoes are much higher in nutrients than regular potatoes and many say they taste even better. Cut some sweet potatoes into fries and add some salt and pepper. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at about 400 degrees for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. There you go! You’ve got yourself some healthy and absolutely delicious fries.
Edamame
This is the perfect healthy snack if you’re in the mood for something savory. Edamame is raw soybeans still in the pod. All you need to do is steam or boil them, add some salt, and enjoy! This is an excellent snack for vegans or vegetarians because edamame is very high in protein. The beans also contain lots of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
Chocolate-covered banana bites
Chocolate makes everything taste so much better and bananas are no exception. This little snack is so simple yet so delicious. Just cut up a banana, melt some dark chocolate with coconut oil, and dip each piece into the chocolate. Store the leftovers (if there are any) in the freezer.
Smoothie
If you love sugary drinks and just need something similar in your life, then make a smoothie! Smoothies are great because they can be made quickly, taken on the go, and are crazy nutritious and delicious! The beauty is that there are so many different possible combinations. Personally, I always add bananas, spinach, dates, avocado, and finish it off with some oat milk.
Dates with dark chocolate and nut butter
If you have a sweet tooth and are trying to switch to healthier snacks, dates should be a staple in your pantry. They’re healthy and sweet enough to curb any craving you may have. Although dates are delicious on their own, combining them with some chocolate or nut butter makes them taste even better.
Greek yogurt with berries and maple syrup/honey
Flavored yogurts usually have crazy amounts of added sugars and chemicals. Instead, make your own batch of nutritious yogurt. Toss some berries on your Greek yogurt and add some maple syrup or honey if you want some extra sweetness. Trust me, this simple recipe beats any store-bought flavored yogurt both healthwise and tastewise.
Dark chocolate
Believe it or not, dark chocolate is one of the best healthy snacks out there! It’s loaded with antioxidants, protects heart health and blood circulation, and even improves memory. However, for dark chocolate to really be a healthy snack, aim for one that’s about 70% cocoa with little to no added sugars.
Banana peanut butter toast
Such a simple yet delicious combo. You probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry. Toast a piece of bread, spread on some peanut butter, add some sliced banana, and sprinkle some salt on top. You can also add some Greek yogurt as “frosting”.
Dried fruit
Dried fruit may not be as nutritious as fresh fruits but they certainly beat processed foods. Personally, I’ve found dry fruits, especially mangoes, to be a perfect substitute for gummy bears. You can eat dried fruits alone or add some nuts and seeds for a homemade trail mix!
If you’re someone who absolutely loves candy, especially gummies, then why not try out gummy vitamins? Of course, these aren’t exactly a snack. They’re supplements that are to be taken at a given dosage every day. But don’t healthy gummies sound amazing?
