Healthy Snack Ideas That Won't Ruin Your Diet

We all get cravings; whether they’re midday, right before bed, or after a night out, it takes an incredible amount of self control to ignore them and make healthy decisions. What’s even harder is snacking while adhering to a specific diet and knowing what foods are worth it and which ones are better to skip. 

The worst thing you can do is ignore your cravings completely; it can lead to overeating or feelings of deprivation, which can cause you to give up on your diet. Instead of reaching for that bag of potato chips or cookie dough ice cream and hoping it fits into your diet plan, there are plenty of easy snack options that will feed whatever craving you're facing. 

I’ve created a list of healthy snacks that are packed with the good stuff that are good for your health too. Check them out below!

Trail Mix

Trail mix is made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, so it's a snack that packs a nutritional punch. Not only is it high in protein (nuts) but it's also heart-healthy, good at lowering your blood sugar (dried fruit) and packed with minerals & vitamins (seeds). So while you’re fueling up during that afternoon slump, you’re also keeping your heart healthy, too. One thing to keep in mind: not all trail mixes are equal. Avoid ones that contain added sugar through items like M&Ms or yogurt coated nuts.

Greek Yogurt with Fresh Berries

Greek Yogurt is a great snack because it’s thicker than regular yogurt and options that are at least 1% fat will keep you fuller longer. Add some fresh berries and you've got a sweet treat that is good for you, boosts your metabolism, helps brain function & fight cancer (thanks berries).

Popcorn

Popcorn is high in fiber, explains the American Heart Association, which helps make you feel full and may lower the risk of heart disease. And when you make popcorn at home it can also be low in calories, depending on how you choose to top it, so you can enjoy eating this snack without having to worry about overdoing it. Dress up your popcorn with a touch of sea salt, chili lime seasoning, or a little cinnamon sugar to achieve the flavor you love.

Edamame

Edamame have lots of health benefits to chew on. According to Well + Good, they are high in protein so you get a ton of natural energy when eating edamame and stay full longer after enjoying them. Healthline also says they are also packed with fiber and vitamin K, and have the power to help lower cholesterol, resulting in edamame being one healthy snack.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a great snack because it contains up to 92% water to keep you hydrated. And that pretty pink color isn't just for show! The hue comes from the antioxidant lycopene, which has been said to help with the risk of diabetes and cancer. 

Hummus

Packed with healthy dietary fiber, hummus is a nutritious snack that will do an excellent job at feeding your hunger. Hummus is made with chickpeas, a powerful legume that offer incredible health benefits on their own, and other impressive ingredients, including olive oil and garlic, which can help with inflammation.

Apple with Peanut Butter

Hearing apples are good for you isn't anything new. Apples have a reputation for "keeping the doctor away," so we already know they are full of health benefits. Apples are rich in a fiber called pectin, which can help with your gut health and immune system. But did you know the chewing required when eating apples is also beneficial? The chewing actually helps make you feel fuller faster, because you are taking your time eating rather than scarfing it down and not really enjoying it. Adding peanut butter can help you stay fuller longer and also adds in some protein.

String Cheese

Another simple, on-the-go snack option is string cheese. When you check out the nutrition label on string cheese, you'll notice it has fewer calories than other cheeses, but these little sticks still provide plenty of protein to help feed that hunger. 

Hard-Boiled Eggs

A simple snack that offers tons of rewards, a hard-boiled egg is a lean protein that will fill you up. Not only does this food have lots of protein, but a hard-boiled egg is also packed with lots of vitamins and minerals, all good things to help your body stay healthy.

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are high in fiber and have antioxidants that can help fight against inflammation. Not only are these seeds good for your body, but they have a mild nutty taste that is really versatile, so they can be added to just about any dish. Mix them with low fat milk and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but up to 5 days. Top with berries for a perfect dish. 

Avocado Toast

I know, I know. Avocado toast is such a trendy dish that it's almost overdone. But avocados are packed with fiber and healthy fats, and when you choose the right bread to go along with it, (say, of the multi-grain variety) you'll get even more fiber in that slice of toast, too. 

Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Dark chocolate and almonds are the perfect combination of something sweet and crunchy, but did you know it can also offer some health benefits? Dark chocolate can not only help with keeping your heart healthy, but can also boost your mood. Almonds are high in protein so they give you that boost of energy needed to power through that afternoon crash. But don't get too carried away – while dark chocolate might have less fat and calories than other candy, it still has a high-fat content, as do almonds. Eating too much of this snack all in one sitting may have you feeling too full come dinner. 

Turkey Roll-up

If you're looking for a low-carb snack that is simple to make, you might want to consider enjoying a turkey roll-up in your near future. The lean protein from the turkey will provide a substantial snack, but what’s really great about this snack is what you put inside the roll-up, such as cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, or a condiment like mustard.

Smoked Salmon with Cucumber

If you're looking for something a little fancier to upgrade your everyday snacking habits, why not give smoked salmon a go? It’s not only a solid source of protein, but it keeps our metabolism healthy, too. 

Caprese Skewers

As a low-calorie, easy-to-eat snack, Caprese skewers are a fan favorite. There are only four ingredients needed: cherry tomatoes,  bocconcini (aka those small mozzarella balls), fresh basil, and either a balsamic reduction or a little olive oil. This snack is super simple to make and looks pretty good, too.