Healthy snacking helps many dieters by preventing binge eating caused by excessive hunger, according to MayoClinic.com. A healthy snack may fend off your hunger until the next meal. Fruit helps you feel full without adding a lot of calories to your day. Your body also receives nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. If plain fruit seems boring, serve your fruit in a new way to spice up snack time.
Fruit Kabobs
A bamboo skewer offers a new way to serve pieces of fruit. Cut up your favorite fresh fruits into bite-sized pieces. Slide the fruit chunks onto a skewer to create a fruity kabob. Drizzle the fruit with a small amount of honey, yogurt or dark chocolate for additional flavor. The fruit kabobs also work well as a healthy party snack or as a potluck item.
Smoothies
Smoothies work well for many people because they are so versatile. Choose your favorite fruits to create your own personal smoothie, or base your smoothie on the fruit you have available at home. Using frozen fruit gives the smoothie a thicker texture. You can also add ice cubes. Yogurt, either plain or vanilla, adds creaminess to your smoothie. Sweetener options include fruit juice, agave nectar and honey. Add your selected smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Fruit Salsa
Fruit salsa works well with homemade tortilla chips seasoned with cinnamon. Chop your choice of fruit into small pieces. Strawberries, kiwi, apples, raspberries, mango, peaches and pineapple work well. Mix in your choice of sweeteners, such as honey, powdered sugar, agave nectar or stevia. Add a small amount of sweetener at a time, tasting after each addition. Stop adding it as soon as it is sweet enough for your tastes. The less sweetener you add, the healthier this fruit snack. Other flavors to consider adding include mint leaves, coconut, cinnamon and ginger. Chill the salsa before serving.
To make the cinnamon chips, lightly brush whole wheat tortillas with melted butter. Sprinkle with a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake in an oven heated to 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes.
Fresh-Fruit Popsicles
Pureed fruit works well as a healthy, homemade popsicle for snack time. Puree your favorite fruit or combination of fruits, along with a small amount of sweetener if you desire. You can also blend in yogurt for a creamier texture. Pour the fruit puree into popsicle molds, paper cups or ice cube trays. Add a stick and freeze until they are solid. Remove the fresh fruit popsicles and enjoy the healthy snack.
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