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Snacking gets a bad rap. If you’re hungry—truly hungry, not just bored or tempted by a slice of cake or pizza—then you should eat something. The big question is whatyou should eat. Here are the healthiest snacks on the planet. And they taste good too!
Sometimes you just want a sweet, creamy treat. But most conventional yogurt is packed with sugar and artificial flavorings. Try a simple parfait made with fresh berries, Greek yogurt, and granola instead. You’ll get a good amount of protein from the yogurt and antioxidants from the berries.
Um, yes please! These are insanely easy to make. Just preheat your oven to 425 and slice up a sweet potato (or two) into inch-wide wedges. Toss them with a little olive oil and kosher salt, and roast for about 20 minutes. For an extra kick, you can add a dash of chili powder. They also taste great sprinkled with rosemary.
When you’re craving nachos, reach for this simple snack instead. A sliced red bell pepper contains a ton of vitamin C and other nutrients, plus it has a satisfying crunch. Dip your peppers in a nice big bowl of guacamole and you won’t even miss the cheese and chips. If you’re not a fan of guacamole, try hummus instead.
Sliced apples are nature’s blank canvas. Sprinkle them with cinnamon and chopped pecans. Top them with cheddar or smoked gouda for a surprisingly delicious combo. Or make like a kid again and smear a little nut butter on your apple slices for a healthy treat. Go for almond or cashew butter instead of peanut.
Make your own dairy-free, fiber-rich pudding with chia seeds! These little guys soak up liquid to form a pudding consistency. It’s a little weird at first, but the results are awesome. Combine 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 1/3 cup water. (You can use coconut milk instead for a creamier treat.) Mix and refrigerate in a covered bowl for about half an hour. After they’ve gelled, you can add cocoa powder, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, or any other flavor combo that strikes your fancy.
This is straight-up magic. Take a bunch of kale leaves and rip out the thick stems. Lay them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and add a little olive oil and salt. After 10 minutes at 350 degrees, these leafy greens turn into thin, crispy, light-as-air crisps that will satisfy your potato chip cravings without the guilt.
Eggs are pretty darn amazing. They contain a huge amount of nutrients, and you can eat them in countless ways. A classic hard-boiled egg is portable, delicious, and good for you. If you’re feeling snacky, the protein will help you feel fuller for longer. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and chili powder, and you’re golden.
