If you’re looking to add healthy snacks into your diet, these ten easy snacks help you incorporate more protein to keep you satisfied longer and not over-indulge.
I’ve admitted several times in the last year that one challenge I have working from home is that I struggle with wanting to snack ALL THE TIME! When you have easy access to your kitchen pantry yet rarely have time to make a meal, it’s easy to have a snaccident!
I mentioned last week that I ran across a quote that said “when thinking about eating better, add vs. subtract.” This really makes sense to me and feels like a positive change rather than focusing on cutting out certain foods. Right now I’m working to add more protein, fruits and veggies into my diet, which hopefully in turn means I’ll eat less junk.
Here’s my top 10 list of easy healthy snacks that help me meet my daily protein goals. Many include some of my favorite dairy products from Hiland Dairy.
Yogurt + Granola or Fruit– a small bowl of yogurt with granola and/or fruit is a good way to curb hunger AND feel like you’re eating dessert. Your choice on regular or greek yogurt.
Greek Yogurt Dip + Carrots – did you know you can sub in greek yogurt for sour cream in most dip recipes? A really easy one is to mix a packet of dry ranch seasoning with a small container of Greek yogurt. The combinations are endless on this one with different dip and veggie combos.
Hummus + Veggies – I’m partial to carrots on this one too, but any dip worthy veggies work – peppers, cauliflower, celery, snap peas.
Yogurt Fruit Dip + Fruit – I tried out Hiland Dairy’s recipe for Yogurt Peanut Butter Fruit Dip. Yum! There are so many dips you can make with low fat yogurt, another favorite is with orange juice concentrate. MMMMM!
Almonds (or other nuts) – it can’t get much easier than popping a handful of nuts to tide you over. It’s easy to eat to many, so I try to portion mine out. If you want a little kick, try these spicy smokehouse almonds.
Apple Slices + Cheese – I don’t know why but this combo always makes me feel like I’m maybe eating part of a decadent cheese plate rather than a healthy snack.
Peanut butter + Anything – I have a life long love affair with peanut butter. For those of you allergic, I’m so sorry that you have to skip this one. Hopefully you can use another nut butter. My favorite peanut butter combos (aside from chocolate) are:
- Apple + peanut butter
- 1/2 English muffin + peanut butter
- Celery + peanut butter
- Pretzels + peanut butter
Milk and a Banana – No, I don’t mix these together, but for some reason a glass of milk always tastes so good with a banana. Just me? Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast – use an air popper or our favorite kitchen gadget, the Whirley Pop to make your popcorn. Sprinkle on nutritional yeast. Yes it sounds weird but provides a cheesy flavor and ups the protein.
Edamame – these are slightly more time consuming than grab and go, but they don’t take long and are SO good. Just steam and flavor your way, from just sea salt to my favorite spicy garlic edamame.
Roasted Chickpeas – if you have time to make ahead, I really love roasted chickpeas. You can make them about any flavor. I love them to eat as a snack and to add to salads for a little crunch instead of croutons. Recipe: Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas
If you’re looking for other healthy snack or recipe ideas, sign up for the Get Healthy with Hiland email series. You’ll get great tips, recipes and even coupons for their top quality dairy products. I already made their Yogurt and Peanut Butter Fruit Dip and I’m scoping out the Blackberry Hazelnut Power Bowl. Yum!
Do you have any go to healthy snacks I should add to the list?
