1. Edamame
Soy beans are protein packed and are a delicious way to fill up when you’re short on time. They’re super easy to prepare too. Buy them frozen and pop them in the microwave when you’re ready for a tasty treat. Edamame tastes great with just a bit of salt, or with any Asian inspired seasoning.
2. Sunflower butter
Sunflower butter is a fun alternative to peanut and almond butter. It tastes great on veggies, crackers, toast, and celery! It’s a great snack for teachers who work in a nut free school.
3. Granola and coconut milk yogurt
These foods taste amazing together and coconut milk yogurt is healthier than regular yogurt made from cow’s milk. It is often lower in sugar (this can vary by brand) and contains a healthier type of fat than dairy yogurts.
4. Ants on a log
Sometimes it’s OK to eat like a kid. Celery, peanut butter and raisins Is a great fast snack to hold you over when you’re on the go. Just don’t overdo it on the peanut butter due to its fat content.
5. Popcorn and olive oil
Popcorn is very low in calories and adding a small amount of olive oil to popcorn kernels before popping will give it a more interesting flavor than eating it plain.
6. Avocado
If you can eat it like an apple, do it! Otherwise making it into guacamole and dipping with carrots is a fantastic alternative. Worrying about the fat content? Don’t! The fat from avocadoes is extremely healthy and shouldn’t be faulted for the (potential) cellulite on your things (thank your favorite dessert here for that one).
7. Hummus/bean dips
When you hear bean dip you might think of something greasy, cheese and unhealthy. It doesn’t need to be that way! Legumes are a great source of fiber and are nutrient rich. They also help to keep you feeling full. When preparing the dip, just make sure to use lots of seasoning and nix ingredients like cheese and sour cream.
8. Salsa
Fresh salsa can be purchased in the produce section of any grocery store. Use it on salads, as a dip for veggies, and on multigrain toast as a healthy bruschetta. Nothing is faster or healthier (or more delicious) than chopped veggies and lime juice out of a container!
9. Lettuce wraps
They sound time consuming, but they’re not. Keep a head of romaine lettuce in your refrigerator. Wash individual leaves as you need them. Stuff with sprouts, pre-shredded carrots, corn, beans, avocado, or even pineapple! Top with salsa and enjoy.
10. Baked apples with cinnamon
Looking for something to provide a little warmth? Have a sweet tooth? Bake an apple and sprinkle with cinnamon, it’s that simple. It will taste much more calorie dense than it actually is! Just make sure to skip the butter.
11. Grilled peaches
Another warm and sweet option. Grilled peaches are a quick snack or dessert when you don’t have the time to spend in the kitchen.
Finding a quick and healthy snack doesn’t have to mean resorting to processed food marketed as “health food.” All it requires is a little bit of creativity and minimal planning.
Like it, especially number 11