Healthy Snacking Ideas for Adults and Children

It's late afternoon, and you've fallen into a slump-you need something to get you going, and fast! Before you hit the vending machine with loose change in hand, let's see what a little planning ahead could save you nutritionally, and financially. After all, you don't want to gain those extra pounds those candy bars offer, do you? By choosing a different healthy snack every day, you ensure the nutritional benefits of a variety of snacks, and you won't get stuck in a rut with the same old snack every day. Being healthy doesn't mean being boring, or suffering between meals.

Fresh fruits are always an option, providing natural sugars, as well as fiber which makes you feel full and can give you a quick pick-up without the crash of sugary snacks and caffeine. There are various health benefits to consider when choosing a fruit to snack on, however any fruit you choose is certain to bring nutritional value to your afternoon snack, and variety is key-choose different fruits daily to ensure that you are getting the maximum health benefits. If you eat an orange every day, you will only reap the benefits associated with citrus fruits. With so many options to choose from, it's easy to make a healthy and nutritionally sound choice! Dried fruits are also an option, however choose unsweetened product to ensure you won't be adding additional calories and sugars to your diet.

Baby carrots with celery, plain or with low fat salad dressing can also be a great healthy snack. Cut broccoli and cauliflower can be an alternate option for those days you just don't feel like carrots and celery. You can also enjoy celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, and children love "ants on a log"!

Nuts are nutritional as well, more so than their candy bar counterparts. Almonds are a tasty and filling snack, packed full of nutritional benefits, such as vitamin E, and folic acid. Loaded with protein, peanuts and cashews are also a much healthier option and provide opportunities to eat healthy, while enjoying the crunch we associate with potato chips and pretzels. You can get them individually packaged, or in bulk. Make sure to read the fat and calorie content of nuts and the serving size, as some of these nutritional treats can be a detriment to your diet if you are trying to lose weight.

Unsalted popcorn prepared without oil is another option, if you plan ahead. You won't find this in a vending machine, but you can air pop at home. Need some flavor? Try a little salt but no butter or margarine-remember the fat and the added calories!

Low-fat yogurt is an added option in addition to fresh fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Enjoy a cup of low-fat yogurt and get creative with adding some crushed almonds, nuts, and fruits. Avoid yogurt with added fruits, as sugars and additives add calories. Yogurt is a great way to get calcium and other nutrients.

Take the time to prepare ahead for healthy alternatives to vending machine snacks, and reap the benefits. Visit websites for new ideas, and learn about the nutritional value of different foods, and learn about the foods to avoid to ensure a healthy lifestyle for you, and your family!

Sources:

CDC http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html

Nutrition.gov http://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=1

KidsHealth http://kidshealth.org/kid/index.jsp?tracking=K_Home