10 Healthy and Flavorful Snack Ideas
Reaching for packaged chips and cookies was our go-to move when the mid-morning hunger pangs hit us. Now, we know there is nothing wrong with eating some packaged foods we like every once in a while. But it soon turned into a habit. That is when we looked into healthy snacking options. And with all the differences we see in ourselves, we are here to vouch for the benefits of choosing the right snacks.
10 healthy snack ideas everyone will relish
Hummus
Hummus is enriched with protein and healthy fats and makes a great addition to the healthy snacking list. This velvety dip can be used as a spread on toasts, tortillas, shawarmas, and wraps. It can also be used as a dip for your vegetable sticks! If you get bored of basic hummus, you can try having the fiber-loaded Baba Ganoush. It is another Mediterranean recipe made of tahini and roasted eggplant and is just as delicious.
Tzatziki
Unflavored Greek yogurt is a tasty, nutritious, and gut-friendly snack option that we can never get tired of. However, if you want to add some dimension to your plain bowl of yogurt instead of reaching for flavored ones, try turning it into tzatziki. This protein-rich snack is made using grated cucumber and Greek yogurt as its base. Some chopped dill leaves, salt, olive oil, and chili powder enhance its flavors and provide you with the much-needed protein punch.
Homemade peanut butter
Peanut butter has been bad-mouthed for a while now due to the additional ingredients and preservatives that food companies add. To take back control and make your peanut butter healthy again, it’s time you make your own at home. All you have to do is roast some unsalted peanuts till they are light golden brown and then churn them in your food processor till they have achieved your desirable buttery consistency. If you want, you can add some salt to enhance its flavor. Alternatively, you can also add ingredients like honey and cocoa powder for flavor.
Guacamole
Having a bowl of guacamole tucked away in the fridge is the best way to avoid any unhealthy snacking. Spread it on a slice of toasted bread, dip your veggie sticks in it, or enjoy it all by itself. There is no wrong or right way to use your guac. You can even use your avocado to make a smoothie out of it.
Smoothie bowls
Smoothie bowls are our go-to snacking option. Packed with nutrients and flavors, this snack idea is a perfect pick-me-up when the afternoon slump is ready to attack. Since these smoothie bowls often contain vegetable servings, it is a great option for kids and adults who always pick out vegetables from their plates. You have options like berry smoothie, avocado smoothie, and coffee smoothie. Some people even like to dump a scoop of protein into their smoothie bowl to make a balanced meal.
Popcorn
We all know how comforting and satisfying a bowl of popcorn can be. These are easy and quick to put together and can be flavored according to your taste preference. If you want to keep things simple, just add some salt and butter. If cheesy popcorn is your preferred movie snack, try adding in some nutritional yeast alongside the salt and butter. It will give you the taste you are looking for without the unnecessary artificial flavoring. Note that it is better to make the popcorn by popping corn kernels in a pressure cooker rather than buying instant packets.
Roasted seeds
If snacking equates to convenient food to you, then the roasted seed is a great option to add to your list. Packed with healthy fats and nutrients, it is one of the healthiest choices you can make for yourself. Next time you make a butternut squash recipe or pumpkin recipe, save the seeds and roast them in the oven. Don’t forget to toss them in some salt and olive oil beforehand! After they are done, you can use different herbs and spices to flavor them and store them in small jars. You can even tuck one away at your work desk when the munchies hit you.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most versatile foods you will be able to find in your refrigerator. Not only can you have it for any meal of the day, you can also cook it multiple ways to suit the rest of your meal. Some of the easiest and healthiest snacking options include hardboiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or sunny side-up eggs. That said, if you want to try a more wholesome meal try adding chopped veggies to your omelet. Shakshouka is another great option if you are looking to try a new egg recipe. Its poached eggs on a bed of tomato and bell pepper sauce with herbs, spices, and a handful of other vegetables.
Overnight oats
This has become a breakfast staple for many but can really be had at any time of the day. You can use the milk of your choice to soak the oats. After that, you can flavor it with your choicest toppings. Want it to taste like a chocolate cake? Use some choco chips, maple syrup, and chopped nuts. In the mood for PB&J? Top off your bowl with some peanut butter and jam, and if you really want to take the healthier route, add a spoonful of protein to increase its satiety value.
Chia seed pudding
If you want to go healthier than an overnight oats bowl for your snacking option, try out a chia seed pudding. A delicious healthy gooey dessert in a bowl; you can dress your pudding with the fruits and toppings of your choice. If you want to add some crunch to the thick and creamy texture, drop in some chopped nuts or seeds of your choice. Alternatively, you can also add some chocolate or nut butter spread to make it taste like a real treat.
