10 Healthy Snack Ideas

When dieting, having 10 healthy snack ideas will help you stop snacking on fatty, sugary foods. There are plenty of delicious, healthy snack ideas that will keep you satisfied and eventually you will forget all about those donuts in the break room.  Plus, you will be able to fit into those skinny jeans of yours in the back of your closet.  Here are 10 healthy snack ideas to help you lose weight, keep in shape, or just maintain your healthy lifestyle. 

1. Healthy Snack # 1 - Trail Mix Trail mix is such a versatile snack that you can prepare to satisfy your taste buds.  If you prefer salty foods, add a bit of peanuts or pretzels.  Say you have a sweet tooth, just add some dried pineapple, apricots, or raisins.  Trail mixes are so easy and quick to prepare, just use all the healthy ingredients you have sitting in your cabinets to create your own personalized mix.  Keep in mind that adding sweet foods like M&Ms or chocolate covered nuts will not make it a healthy snack anymore.  
2. Healthy Snack # 2 - Fresh Fruits Fresh fruits are so easy to use as a snack because they are always nutritious, keep you satisfied, and fight off illness. Just toss your favorite fruit in your bag to eat whenever you feel the need for a healthy snack.  Fresh apples with peanut butter and raisins make a delicious snack as well!
3. Healthy Snack # 3 - Protein Shakes Protein shakes make great healthy snacks because they give you your daily supply of protein if you don't have time to eat an entire meal. Of course, don't rely on protein shakes in place of a meal, try to use them as a nutritious snack after your workout or whenever.  Also, try to purchase protein shakes with low sugar content. 
4. Healthy Snack # 4 - Protein Bars If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without indulging on a candy bar, try a low-sugar, high-protein bar.  Make sure that the sugar content is below 10 grams or you might as well just buy a candy bar.  Protein bars are a great way to boost your protein intake.
5. Healthy Snack # 5 - Cereal Cereal makes a totally satisfying snack because you are getting a lot of fiber and minerals, not to mention flavor!  Having a bowl of your favorite nutritious cereal will keep you feeling full and satisfied.  Try to go for cereals that have less than 10 grams of sugar, high protein and fiber. 
6. Healthy Snack # 6 - Crackers, Cheese & Toppings Crackers such as Wheat Thins and Triscuits make amazing healthy snacks.  Just add your favorite nutritious topping such as cheese, vegetables or cream cheese (go light on the cream cheese).
7. Healthy Snack # 7 - Peanut Butter Sandwich Whole grain bread with a couple tablespoons of peanut butter is a nutritious snack for any time of the day.  If just peanut butter and bread is to bland for you, add natural fruit preserves, raisins, or banana slices.  
8. Healthy Snack # 8 - Yogurt with Fruit Just a small container of yogurt makes a refreshing nutritious snack. If plain yogurt isn't for you, why not mix it with some freshly sliced banana, blueberries, strawberries, or any fruit?
9. Healthy Snack # 9 - Fresh Vegetables Fresh vegetables are one of the most nutritious snacks you can indulge in and they make fast, easy snacks.  Just put some cut up veggies in a zip-lock bag and you have an extremely healthy snack.
10. Healthy Snack # 10 - Popcorn A light, airy snack that is delicious, but yet also nutritious, is popcorn!  Popcorn is actually more nutritious than you think, it's rich in antioxidants and good for your heart.  Try to buy the popcorn in the bag, not the microwave type which is full of chemicals and artificial butter flavoring.