Snack foods help stave off hunger and prevent you from overeating at mealtimes. They also offer an opportunity to add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and milk to the diet. Unfortunately, snack calories are often wasted on unhealthy foods such as potato chips, cookies, pastries, candy bars and soda. For a nutritional boost, try a healthy snack instead.
Sweet Potato
A sweet potato baked in the microwave is a quick and healthy snack. Add brown sugar, cinnamon and chopped pecans for a flavor boost. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin B6. They also are a good source of copper and iron, explains the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Broiled Tomato
A broiled tomato stuffed with 1 tbsp. of Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp. of olive oil and 1/2 tsp. of Italian seasoning makes a tasty but simple snack. This dish supplies vitamin C, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and potassium. It also contains lycopene, a pigment that may help fight cancer, reports the USDA.
Fresh Fruit Plate
For a simple, fresh snack, try a fruit plate made with apple slices, grapes, banana circles and strawberries. Fruit dip made by combining 2 tbsp. low-fat vanilla yogurt and 1 tbsp. fat-free whipped topping can accompany this snack. This quick dish adds vitamin C, potassium, fiber and calcium to the diet.
Popcorn and Cranberries
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services suggests air-popped popcorn for children as a healthy snack. Make it an interesting treat for all ages by adding dried cranberries. This quick, whole-grain snack provides fiber, iron, protein and antioxidants.
Turkey Sandwich Half
The University of California at San Francisco recommends a turkey sandwich half for a hearty snack. When prepared with one slice of whole grain bread, one slice of turkey breast, tomatoes, baby spinach leaves and a pickle slice, this quick snack contributes protein, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin K to your diet. The bread is enriched with B vitamins.
Cottage Cheese
Fat-free cottage cheese is a simple way to add meet your daily calcium needs. It can be mixed with chopped walnuts, strawberries and sunflower seeds for a nutritional punch. In addition to calcium, this healthy snack provides protein, fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Cheese and Crackers
Cheddar cheese and saltine crackers, a traditional snack food, can be made healthier by substituting multi-grain crackers and sliced low-fat cheddar cheese. The switch lowers the amount of fat while adding beneficial fiber. This simple snack food also contributes calcium and a small amount of vitamin A to your diet.
Veggie Sticks
Vegetable sticks made from celery, carrots, squash, cucumber and zucchini provide vitamin A, potassium and fiber, explains the USDA. Add 2 tbsp. of light ranch dressing for a dipping sauce.
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