Eating healthy snacks keeps you balanced between meals and sustains your energy throughout the day. Whether you are packing healthy snacks for a road trip, craving something to eat in the evening, or trying to get more organized at home and work with healthy snack options- then this blog is for you!
Here are some great ideas for nourishing snacks to help you avoid unhealthy junk food and keep you on track with your healthy eating goals as well as keep your energy up all day long!
Choose from these satisfying and nutritious snack list to set yourself up for success by having healthy balanced snacks ready to go:
Energy Balls
Need something to pick you up in the afternoon? Satisfy that hunger with simple and yummy energy balls. You can make them with pitted dates, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut flour. Top them with shredded coconut, and you’re all set! Here’s a yummy recipe for you to try and I’ll link more at the bottom for you.
Nutrient-Packed Smoothies
Blend together a combination of fruits, vegetables, and a protein source like Greek yogurt, or protein powder for a refreshing and nourishing snack. To build a healthy smoothie on your own- read this blog
Chia Pudding
Prepare chia seed pudding by combining chia seeds with your choice of milk and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Let it sit in the fridge overnight for a delicious and nutrient-packed snack. You can get creative here with your fruit, but here’s a yummy recipe that my clients and I love.
Baba Ghanoush
This creamy dip is made from roasted eggplant. It has a wonderful smoky flavor accented with tahini and mint. You’ll love it with raw vegetables or crackers. It spreads beautifully too, so its great for lunch when your sandwiches or wraps need a little something extra.
Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip
Greek yogurt makes an excellent base for a fruit dip. It’s healthy and delicious on its own, but if you add cacao powder, you can give it a chocolaty twist. Greek yogurt makes for an excellent blank slate in this way, so feel free to squeeze in some key lime for a key lime pie flavor or even almond butter for something nuttier. Then dunk in your favorite fruits to enjoy, or simply grab your spoon. For a vegan alternative, choose dairy-free yogurt (I like coconut yogurt).
Roasted or Air Fryer Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and flavorful snack high in protein and fiber. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Check often for your desired crunchiness.
They take only 15 minutes in the air fryer and come out with a satisfying crunch. You can season them any way you like, too. Make a large portion of them to experiment with flavors, and you won’t miss those store-bought chips.
Kale Chips
Another one that comes out best in the air fryer is kale. Using your air fryer, kale chips crisp up in just 7 to 10 minutes. You can alternate between those chickpeas and kale to have satisfying, balanced snacks that are meal prep perfect. Here’s an oven kale chips recipe for you if you don’t have an air fryer.
Veggies and Hummus or Guacamole
Veggies and dip make for a perfect combination of crunch and creaminess. Cut up carrots, cucumbers, celery sticks or bell peppers and pair them with a healthy dollop of hummus or guacamole for a satisfying snack that is packed with nutrients.
Hummus is always a healthy snack go-to, and it’s easy to make yourself. To keep things interesting, you can play with flavors. Try making it with sweet potatoes, then add chipotle and lime to give it a smoky taste that will have you scraping the bowl clean. I have some delicious hummus recipes- here’s a few you might like.
Guacamole is a staple at my house and I often make up a batch whenever I have company. If you have never made guacamole before, it’s really simple! Here’s a recipe to get you started.
Quinoa Egg Bites
Eggs are a protein-rich food that will give you a quick boost mid-morning or mid-afternoon. You can add your favorite veggies to them and make them different every time. They’re the ideal bite-sized snack. Make a ton of them ahead of time and put them in the freezer so you can grab them and go. Here’s a delicious recipe- and heads up, they are good both hot and cold.
Yogurt Parfait
A yogurt parfait is a quick and easy snack that is both delicious and nutritious. Layer Greek yogurt, berries, and a drizzle of honey in a bowl or glass. The combination of protein and fiber will keep you satisfied.
Air-popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie snack that is high in fiber. Pop kernels in an air-popper and sprinkle with a pinch of salt or your favorite seasoning.
Fruit and Nut Butter
Fruit and nut butter is a simple and satisfying snack that is perfect for late-night cravings. Spread your favorite nut butter on slices of apple or banana for a snack that is both sweet and filling.
Dark Chocolate and Almonds
A small serving of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) with a handful of almonds is a sweet and crunchy snack rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Edamame
Boiled edamame is a low-calorie snack that is high in protein and fiber. Boil a handful of edamame in salted water for a satisfying snack that is easy to prepare.
Rice Cakes and Nut Butter
Rice cakes with a spread of natural nut butter make for a satisfying snack that is high in protein.
Baked Sweet Potato
Baking a sweet potato in the oven is a simple and healthy late-night snack option. Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Nuts & Seeds
Packing various nuts and seeds is a great way to stay full throughout your travels. Almonds, walnuts, and peanuts provide healthy fats, protein, and other essential nutrients. Seeds like chia, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds are also excellent sources of protein and fiber. Nuts and seeds are easy to pack in small bags or containers, so they're perfect on the go.
Trail mix
A homemade trail mix made with a mixture of nuts, dried fruit, and whole grain cereal is a filling and nutritious snack that is easy to grab and go. It’s also an excellent snack for road trips because it's healthy, easy to pack and eat, and will keep you full on long drives. There are wide varieties of trail mix available in stores—you can get them in bulk or single-serve packages. If you want to make your own, use nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews; dried fruit like raisins or cranberries; pretzels; dark chocolate nibs (if you're feeling decadent); sunflower seeds. You can't go wrong here, so toss what you like together and enjoy.
Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein, and they're easy to pack and eat. Plus, they will help keep you full and energized.
Fresh or Dried Fruits
Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, berries, or grapes are yummy snacks, that keep you hydrated, are a bit sweet if you have sweet cravings and if on the road they are easily transported in a bag or container. Dried fruits like bananas, mango, strawberries travel well and last longer than fresh so great to keep on hand at the office or for a road trip.
Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring or difficult. With just a little bit of planning ahead of time, you can find snacks that not only taste good but also provide sustenance and energy for your day ahead.
Enjoy this list of delicious snacks on your next road trip or late night trip to the kitchen so that you can satisfy your cravings without feeling bloated or sluggish.
Leave a comment below to let me know your favorite healthy snack!
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