Healthy Snacking (2024)

Healthy Snacking (1)

Most of us do it. Some of us sneak it. Some of us even have attacks over it. Yes, snacking! If done in moderation and by making healthier choices, snacking can fit into a healthy dietary pattern.

Here are some snack ideas to add to your grocery list:

Munchies that crunch

  • Apples sliced with a tablespoon of low-sodium peanut butter.
  • Pears dipped in fat-free/low-fat cottage cheese.
  • Vegetables paired with hummusor tzatziki sauce, such as:
    • Carrot and celery sticks.
    • Bell pepper slices.
    • Zucchini or cucumber rounds.
    • Broccoli and cauliflower florets.
    • Cherry or grape tomatoes.
  • Roasted chickpeas.
  • Popcorn (air-popped or made with a nontropical vegetable oil).
  • Rice cakes and whole-grain crackers.
  • Unsalted nuts and seeds.

Rethink your drink

If you drink regular soda or energy drinks, look at the amount of added sugar on the Nutrition Facts label. Sugar drinks easily can add excess calories and pounds. Instead, try:

  • Plain or sparkling water. Add citrus or cucumber slices, mint or other herbs for flavor.
  • Fat-free/low-fat dairy milk, plain soy milk or unsweetened oat or nut milk.
  • Unsweetened tea or coffee.
  • 100% fruit juice.
  • Low-sodium tomato or mixed-vegetable juice.

Other simple, healthy snacks

  • Whole-grain toast with low-sodium peanut butter or other nut butter.
  • Fat-free/low-fat cheese.
  • Fat-free/low-fat plain with fruit.
  • Fruit and veggie smoothie.
  • Whole-grain crackers with canned very low sodium tuna or low-sodium salmon.
  • Canned fruit (packed in its own juice, water or light syrup).
  • Baked or raw apples sprinkled with cinnamon.
  • Raisins, dates, figs and other unsweetened dried fruits.
  • Frozen banana.
  • Frozen grapes.
  • Fresh fruit salad flavored with fresh herbs, such as mint, or fresh gingerroot.
  • For packaged snacks, be sure to read the Nutrition Facts label. Look at the serving size to determine how many calories, added sugarsand sodium are included.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: Oct 24, 2023

Healthy Snacking (2024)

FAQs

Are PopCorners healthy for weight-loss? ›

Baked chips like PopCorners are a good pick if you're trying to lose weight. "These chips are baked instead of fried and are made from only yellow corn, sunflower oil, and sea salt," says Flores. "For only 120 calories, these chips are crispy, full of flavor, and great on their own or with your favorite dip."

What are 3 ways to practice healthy snacking? ›

3 ways to practise healthy snacking
  • Choose healthy snack foods. Follow the healthy eating recommendation to make it a habit to choose a variety of healthy foods for your snacks. ...
  • Eat your snacks mindfully. Eat your snacks slowly and without distractions, such as watching TV. ...
  • Think about your snacks ahead of time.
Aug 8, 2023

What does healthy snacking mean to you? ›

Healthy snacks, as a simple definition, are those that have health-boosting ingredients that are good for your body. Healthy snacks are designed to: Boost energy and give you the fuel you need to keep going through your day without creating a frustrating sugar crash. Provide healthy fuel.

What are the healthiest chips to eat for weight loss? ›

And when TODAY.com asked for healthy snack ideas, experts previously suggested these chip options:
  • Safe and Fair Popcorn Quinoa Chips.
  • Siete Sea Salt Tortilla Chips.
  • Splitz Original Crunchy Split Pea Crisp Snacks.
  • Pulp Pantry Jalapeño Lime Chips.
  • Hippeas Organic Sea Salt and Lime Chickpea Tortilla Chips.
Jun 14, 2024

What should I eat at night to lose weight? ›

There's some evidence that snacking at night is linked with an increased risk of weight gain. That said, if you are going to eat at night, it's best to choose nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and nuts. vegetables, fruits, whole grain or dairy foods, eggs, and nuts (65, 66 ).

What is the most unhealthy snack? ›

  • Bad Snack 1: Chips. Potato chips might seem like a quick fix for your hunger, but they provide little nutritional value, Culbertson says. ...
  • Bad Snack 2: Crackers. “Crackers do not stave off hunger well,” Culbertson says. ...
  • Bad Snack 3: Granola or cereal bar. ...
  • Bad Snack 4: Pretzels. ...
  • Bad Snack 5: 100-calorie cookie snack packs.
Mar 15, 2024

What should I eat if I crave junk food? ›

Healthier Snacks to Satisfy Junk Food Cravings
  • Nuts. Thanks to their pleasing combo of saltiness and crunch, nuts calm your cravings for other salty snacks. ...
  • Dried Fruit. Skip the candy and choose chewy, sweet dried fruit when you need a sugar fix. ...
  • Roasted Chickpeas. ...
  • Hummus.
Dec 28, 2021

What is the most heart-healthy snack? ›

Rather than reaching for snacks that contain lots of saturated fats, sugar, and salt, consider snacking on whole foods. This includes fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These healthy snack options can add fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to your diet and improve your overall heart health.

Are Ritz crackers healthy? ›

They are not whole grain and are highly processed. Ritz Crackers are made with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and partially hydrogenated oils (trans fat). A single serving provides 80 calories, 0 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrate, 1 gram of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.

What are 5 characteristics of a healthy snack? ›

How to determine if a snack is healthy?
  • Rich in fiber and protein. The body digests them more slowly than sugar, allowing you to stay satisfied longer. ...
  • Combine at least two out of four food groups. ...
  • Contain between 100 and 150 calories. ...
  • Low in salt, sugar, and fat.

How do I start snacking healthy? ›

Start with these tips:
  1. Build your own. Make your own snack mix with unsalted nuts and add-ins such as seeds, unsweetened cereal, raisins or other dried fruit, and plain popcorn.
  2. Prep ahead. ...
  3. Make it a combo. ...
  4. Choose vibrant vegetables. ...
  5. Wash and enjoy. ...
  6. Keep healthy options handy.

What is an example of a healthy snack? ›

Tips for Healthy Snacking

Fresh fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruit. Fruits canned in water or their own juice. Whole grain bread, crackers and cereals.

Are freeze pops good for weight loss? ›

Eating only popsicles is not healthy and you won't effectively lose weight by doing that. However, replacing some high calorie and high fat desserts and snacks with popsicles may help you consume fewer total calories.

Is popcorn bad for you if you're trying to lose weight? ›

Popcorn can indeed be a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. Its low-calorie, high-fibre, and whole-grain characteristics make it a filling and nutritious snack option. If you are looking to lose weight, it is essential to consume popcorn healthily, without excessive butter, oil, or sugar.

How many points are PopCorners on weight Watchers? ›

Popcorners use whole, quality ingredients, so you don't have to worry about anything artificial either. 1 package is 3 WW points. 130 calories, 4 g fat, 22 g carbs, 1 g protein, 0 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 1100 mg sodium.

Are PopCorners highly processed? ›

For those unacquainted, PopCorners are chips that are actually popcorn, or popcorn that is actually chips. The whole point is that you can't tell the difference. They are the triple threat of processed foods, the JLo of the snack aisle: crunchy, corny, convenient.

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