Simple & Healthy Snacks

Posted in March 2, 2011

Simple & Healthy SnacksOverviewFruits and vegetables are among the healthiest snacks you can choose; they are also convenient to grab and you can eat them on-the-go. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide an array of essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. Apples, oranges, peaches and grapes are great easy-to-eat choices that boost your intake of these essential vitamins and minerals. Carrot and celery sticks, broccoli florets and bell pepper s

Snacks do not have to be bad. They are a key part of your daily diet because they keep you from getting so hungry that you chow down on whatever foods are handy -- which are often high-fat and high-calories ones like potato chips and candy bars. Simple snacks can supply plenty of nutrition and get you through until your next meal.

Container of Yogurt

Grabbing a container of low-fat yogurt is a quick and simple snack that will supply several grams of protein, as well as a good dose of calcium. Look for a low-sugar variety to help prevent a sudden sugar spike followed by a sugar crash shortly after. Another idea is to add fresh blueberries to a carton of plain low-fat yogurt to keep sugar intake even lower. Low-fat granola or whole grain dry cereals are additional add-ins that are simple and supply some added fiber.

Whole Grain Crackers with Toppings

A box of whole grain crackers can provide several snacks and pair well with many simple ingredients. Choose crackers that do not contain partially hydrogenated oils so you aren't consuming trans fats with your snack. Top crackers with low-fat pepper jack cheese and melt for a few seconds in the microwave. Top the melted cheese with pickled jalapenos for a spicy snack. Adding reduced-fat cream cheese, pear slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon is another simple option that supplies calcium and fiber.

Fruit and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are among the healthiest snacks you can choose; they are also convenient to grab and you can eat them on-the-go. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide an array of essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. Apples, oranges, peaches and grapes are great easy-to-eat choices that boost your intake of these essential vitamins and minerals. Carrot and celery sticks, broccoli florets and bell pepper strips are all vegetables that you can prepare quickly for snacking. An ounce of cheese with your fruit or vegetables will add some filling protein as well as some calcium.

Cottage Cheese

A 1/2-cup serving of cottage cheese will supply energy-boosting protein and some bone-building calcium. You can eat cottage cheese plain with a sprinkle of black pepper and sea salt; however, there are also many simple ways to enhance the taste and nutrition of your cottage cheese snack. Halved grape tomatoes add vitamin C and cubed cantaloupe adds vitamin A. Frozen blueberries will add a sweet taste as well as potassium and fiber.