Easy Healthy Snacks

Find yourself wondering off to the vending machine too often or peeking into the staff pantry a little more than usual? Then you need to start to load your desk area and your bag with healthy, scrumptious snack options. They are wholesome, low-fat yet jam-packed with nutrients, very different from the chemical-laden, fat-laden commercial snack packs. They will give you an energy boost to get you past your crunch periods and keep you alert and on top of your game. Plus, they will keep you from sugar crashes and snack cravings during the day.

Snacks are important to me. Having small snacks throughout the day helps to keep my hunger pangs in check and maintain my energy level up to  stay focused and alert. However, not all snacks are created equal. Some snack will provide the energy-boosting, hunger-fending benefits, while other less nourishing options will tend to leave me tired and feeling sluggish, which makes me more vulnerable to making more poor choices for the remainder of the day. So, knowing how to choose snacks sensibly can make or break my healthy eating resolutions. Fortunately, through trial and error, I  have discovered different wholesome and scrumptious snacks options and here are my top 5 picks:

Yogurt + Fresh Fruits

The combination of tart yogurt with sweet fruits can be a very refreshing and satisfying treat. I enjoy adding in a drizzle of honey, and a layer of granola to create a delicious, fresh fruit parfait! Often I also throw in a handful of frozen mixed berries to mimic frozen yogurt, but you can add in any fruits you like, such as apples, bananas, or tropical fruits. When choosing yogurt, stick to low-fat, plain yogurt since flavoured kinds often have a lot of added sugar. If you find the sour taste of plain yogurt a little too overwhelming, you can stir in a spoonful of fruit jam for a boost in flavour and sweetness.

Crackers + Cheese

Cheese with crackers is a well-balanced snack. Carbohydrates will provide the energy needed to get you through the rest of the day and the protein from the cheese will slow down digestion and help keep you fuller for longer. Try buying whole wheat crackers for a chewy and nutty flavour. To make this even more interesting, try buying more flavourful cheese, such as sharp Cheddar, or go for Brie cheese for a creamier mouthfeel, and experiment with Blue cheese for an sharp, intense experience!

Fruits & Vegetables + Dip

Fruits and vegetables may sound like an unflattering snack if you have them plain. But when you pair them with a dip, the combination becomes a lot more exciting. Pairing veggies with a low-fat Caesar salad dressing is the classic combination. To get a taste of Middle Eastern flavour, try dipping vegetables in hummus. Or, if you’re looking for a spicy kick, go for a spicy bean dip. Experiment with different vegetables and different dips to discover your favourite combo. Dips don’t always have to go with chips, try them with vegetables for an extra nutritional boost in antioxidants, fiber and other good-for-you nutrients.

Cereal + Nuts + Dried fruits

Preparing your own trail mix at home can be very easy — simply toss together your favourite dry cereal with a handful of nuts and/or dried fruits. Nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein and fiber. Adding in some dried fruits will add sweetness and introduce more fruits into your diet. Pack in some dry cereal to add crunchiness and bulk up the trail mix. Simply have trail mix on its own as a finger snack or try using it as a topping for your yogurt.

Popcorn

Popcorn can be a very healthy option depending on what topping you put on it (hold the butter!). To get the whole grain goodness, skip out on the microwavable popcorn and prepare your own. Simply put in a quarter cup of popping corn into a 1L size Tupperware container and place a large microwave cover on top (ideally use a cover with air vents to let steam escape). Microwave it in the same manner as you would with microwavable popcorn. Once the popcorn is ready, you can spray it with cooking spray or drizzle lightly with butter and add a healthy pinch of salt and pepper to flavour it up. Making your own popcorn is simple, fun, fresh and cheap — don’t ever spend your dollars buying those overpriced bags of microwave popcorn anymore!

I always carry one or two healthy snacks in my bag so whenever I hear my stomach growl, I am well prepared to treat myself to a delicious and healthy snack. By doing so, I will avoid getting too hungry and save myself from mindlessly wandering toward vending machines, coffee shops or the junk food aisles in grocery stores. Keep a few of these tasty and nutritious snacks in your bag and around your office, and you’ll quickly discover that eating healthy during your coffee breaks can be a breeze!