Most people want to consume healthy afternoon snacks, but healthy eating -- even when snacking -- takes consideration and planning. The first strategy when planning healthy afternoon snacks is to avoid impulse items. Take time to plan healthy snacks by preparing them ahead of time and paying attention to portion control.
Fruit Smoothies
The best drinks to have between meals are fruit drinks without added sugar or soda. Create smoothies from fruit-based liquids such as orange juice. Fruit smoothies contain natural fiber. You can make a peach smoothie using 3 fresh peaches, halved and pitted, 2 small bananas and 1/2 cup apple juice. Put all the ingredients into a blender and process until smooth. Make a strawberry fruit smoothie from 1/4 cup fresh-hulled strawberries, 1 ripe banana, 1/4 cup pineapple juice and 1 tsp. honey. For a tropical fruit taste, peel and cut 2 ripe mangos into pieces add 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, peeled and roughly chopped, 2 passion fruits and 1/2 cup pineapple juice. Whirl in blender and enjoy.
Vegetables
Many vegetable snack recipes do not contain added salt and are healthier then packaged snacks, such as potato chips. Roasted vegetable sticks make a perfect healthy afternoon snack. Julienne and peel 1 medium carrot, 1 small beet, 1/2 small sweet potato and brush with a drizzle of olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 20 minutes. Cool and enjoy. The American Journal of Public Health notes that healthy snacks should include of 1 serving of vegetables or fruit to support healthy eating, especially among children. A popular snack for children and adults is called ants on a log. This sweet snack is made from cleaned and trimmed celery stalks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins. Cleaned and trimmed fresh broccoli or cauliflower florets or baby carrots are snacks that include antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
Dips and Spreads
Dipping spreads are especially pleasant for a healthy afternoon snack. Spread hummus on pita bread triangles or serve with zucchini and carrot sticks. Sprinkle with chopped, black olives for added flavor with few calories. Guacamole made from ripe avocados, 2 tsp. lemon juice, 1 finely chopped tomato and 1 optional scallion is another enjoyable spread or dip. Tomatoes contain vitamins A, C and E. You can make wheat-free and dairy-free spreads from beans or peas. For example, cook black-eyed peas or white beans and combine with 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1 oz. mild salsa and 1 tsp. olive oil. Whirl all in a blender or food processor and enjoy. Add fresh chives or parsley for extra flavor.
Tea Sandwiches
Many types of sandwiches provide protein, according to Food Consumer.org, and can satisfy a hearty appetite. For a healthy afternoon snack, enjoy a half of one sandwich, or a tea sandwich, made from whole wheat bread or toast topped with 1 tbsp. peanut butter and banana slices. Raisin bread topped with 1 tbsp. cream cheese and fresh sliced apples works well, too. The key to healthy snacking is portion control for adults as well as children. A 2006 article in the "Hong Kong Journal of Pediatrics" recommends providing healthy snacks that are in proportion to height and weight as an important part of achieving a balanced diet.
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