I personally love snacks, and most of the time, snack between meals. Now, that’s not to say everyone should. There are different theories on snacking. Some say you definitely should snack, and others say you should only have three meals a day. What do I say? I think we are all different and have different dietary needs and preferences. If you’re hungry in between meals, then have a snack. It’s much better than feeling ravenous come mealtime and overeating or choosing options that are less than ideal.
And you can’t go wrong with choosing healthy snacks that detoxify, boost your metabolism, increase your energy and focus, improve digestion, help with weight loss, and provide lots of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.
Here are my top 10 favorite snacks:
1. Green juice: Juicing fresh whole veggies and fruits provides an abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients which go straight to your bloodstream. A delicious detoxifying juice also gives your digestive system a break because there is no fiber or pulp. My personal favorite juice is kale, pear and lemon.
2. Avo-cucumber delight: This snack is so refreshing. Just slice up 1 small avocado or ½ of a large avocado and one cucumber. Top with a little olive oil, lemon + sea salt.
3. Nutty chocolate apples: Cut up an apple and spread some almond butter on each slice. You want to use almond butter that only has almonds listed in the ingredients list. Then top with dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
4. Ladybugs on a log: This celery snack is just like ants on a log, but with almond butter {or any nut butter you prefer} and topped with dried goji berries.
5. Homemade guacamole: I make really simple guacamole. I just smash up an avocado and mix in fresh lemon juice, chopped green onions and sea salt. You could also blend these ingredients in a blender as well. Optional: add in some cayenne pepper for a kick! Dip with veggies or Garden of Eatin’ chips. These are a healthier chip option.
6. Fruit salad on-the-go: Just chop up your favorite in-season fruits the night before, put in a mason jar in the fridge overnight and eat the next day so it’s as fresh and delicious as possible.
7. Coconut yogurt bowl: Use unsweetened coconut yogurt and mix in some fruit, chia seeds and cinnamon. {You can also use Greek yogurt} I’m loving the combo of pineapples and kiwi lately. The juice from the pineapple helps to sweeten up the yogurt.
8. Homemade trail mix: Mix together your favorite raw, unsalted nuts and seeds and add dried fruit {no sugar added} and coconut flakes. Optional: if you’re a chocoholic like me, add in dark chocolate chips. I suggest buying all these ingredients in bulk as it is more cost effective and gives you more of a variety.
9. Bowl of veggies: Combine a variety of veggies, choosing the colors of the rainbow. I recommend buying organic when possible. For the 2014 Dirty Dozen {an awesome guide telling you which fruits + veggies have the highest amount of pesticides}, click here.
10. Frozen grapes: These are especially great snacks in the spring or summer. They are so sweet and satisfying. {Frozen watermelon slices are also a great snack!}
I’d love to hear from you! What is your favorite healthy snack?
To simple + scrumptious snacks,
This is great, Kara! I’ve been really watching my eating habits lately, but snacks have been the hardest for me to figure out. I can’t wait to try these!
Hi Emily! That’s awesome! So happy you found this post helpful. Please let me know which snacks you try and which ones become a new fav! 🙂
This “Top 10 Quick + Healthy Snacks” list is absolutely fantastic!!! I love the unique spin you’ve added to my regular staples (goji berries with almond butter and celery! Chocolate chips with almond butter and apple’s! Coconut flakes in trail mix!). Sometimes it takes small, yet very effective, changes to really help make a habit stick! Thank you for sharing your fun and creative snack ideas, I will be enjoying ALL of them!! ??Lots of Love, Kim