Healthy Snack Ideas

Healthy Snack IdeasHealthy Snack Ideas

Source: MyFoodDiary.com

healthy snack ideas

Nutrition professionals recommend that snacks contain about 200 calories. Combining complex carbohydrates and heart-healthy fat with protein gives snacks the staying power to keep you energized. A great way to create a balanced snack is to pick a healthy food and pair it with nutrient-packed dips or toppings. Below are a few examples of healthy dippers and spreads or toppings to enjoy with them.

Dippers

Food Item	Serving Size	Calories
Whole Wheat Crackers	5 crackers	60
Celery Sticks	2 large stalks	20
Carrots	1 medium	36
Bell Pepper Strips	1 cup	18 - 23
Whole Wheat Pita Chips	11 chips	130
Sliced Apples or Pears	1 medium	80 - 100
Whole Wheat Tortilla	1 8-inch	130
Cucumber Slices	1 cup	14

Spreads / Toppings

Food Item	Serving Size	Calories
Hummus	4 tbsp	100
Low-fat Plain Yogurt mixed with Salsa	½ cup	75
Low-fat Yogurt (plain or mixed with fruit)	½ cup	75-110
Natural Peanut Butter	2 tbsp	200
Mashed avocado	½ cup	184
Low-fat Cheese	1 oz	50 - 90
Unsweetened Apple Sauce	½ cup	50
Low-fat Cottage Cheese	½ cup	90

Note: Calories are provided as an estimate and will vary slightly by brand.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.