With so many of us still at home, it’s been easy to do a lot of snacking with all this free time. And sometimes, that’s not always for the best. However, there are plenty of healthy snack options out there, that are yummy, filling, and will help you feel a bit more summer-ready. Here are a few of my favorite healthy snack options that are also super easy to make at home.
Hummus and Veggies
Hummus is made of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), which are full of protein. Eating some of it with veggies such as carrots, cucumbers or celery is a great healthy snack which should keep you full for a while. As a woman of Middle Eastern descent, hummus has always been around for me and continues to be one of my favorite healthy snacking options.
Salted Popcorn
Popcorn is my personal favorite snack to eat while watching a movie or show on Netflix. While buttered popcorn is of course delicious, it’s not exactly healthy. Avoiding the butter and opting for salted popcorn is a much healthier choice that won’t leave you feeling crappy after you eat it. Try making your own fresh popcorn at home using kernels, or check the chips aisle at your local grocery store.
Nuts and Seeds
These are my favorite for when I’m out and about or on a nature walk. They’re so easy to throw in a bag or small container, and you can make your own mixes with whatever types of nuts and seeds you like! Some of my personal favorites are almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and peanuts. You can even use dried fruit or dark chocolate chips to add some sweetness and make it more like a trail mix.
Fruit Bowl
Fruit bowls are a great option for any time of day. Most fruits have a high water content, meaning they’ll make your stomach feel more full than other more calorie-dense food, such as sugary or salty treats. This means they’re also a great option for people who are looking to lose a bit of weight without having to feel like they’re starving. I especially love eating fruit while sitting outside, it almost makes me feel like I’m on vacation.
Smoothie or Acai Bowl
I love having smoothies for breakfast, they’re a great way to get in a whole bunch of nutrients at once. Another option is Acai or smoothie bowls, which include a blended fruit mix with a thicker consistency than a typical smoothie, as well as some added fruit, nuts, granola, or really anything else you’d like to use as a topping. All of these options are a great way to get in some fruits that maybe you don’t prefer to eat on their own.
Vegan Nachos
Nachos might not sound like a healthy snack option, but hear me out on this one. Recently I discovered a vegan nacho cheese recipe from Alana Blanchard’s YouTube channel that I loved. My sister and I made it together and changed it up a little bit, but essentially, it’s made of almost completely vegetables. We used 1-2 potatoes, 1 sweet potato, a few carrots, some onion and garlic, about a half cup of nutritional yeast, half a cup of soaked cashews, coconut milk, ½-1 jalapeno pepper and various spices (turmeric, paprika, black pepper) to taste. For chips we chose gluten-free corn tortilla chips, poured on the blended cheese sauce and added a whole bunch of veggies before and after baking it in the oven. Such a filling and delicious snack or even meal!
There are ways to eat a healthy diet, while still enjoying delicious food. Generally speaking, eating a more plant-based diet will enable you to make healthier choices, while not feeling like you have to give up all your favorite foods. So go ahead and get creative! Now is a great time to figure out ways you love to incorporate more healthy foods into your diet.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor, nor a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health. Please consult your personal physician with any questions you may have regarding your own health and diet.
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About the Author
Arielle Dalia @arielledalia
Arielle Dalia is an ocean loving, tropical soul based out of New York. She is passionate about travel, sustainability and veganism. Arielle loves to pursue writing, do yoga and hula hoop dance in her free time. Her future goals include creating content to inspire others to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
