11 Healthy And Easy To Prepare Snacks

We’re going to introduce you to some healthy snack options to ensure optimal nutrient intake in the mid-afternoon to improve your health.

Healthy snacks are a mainstay of balanced diets. At this time of the day, our desire to kill hunger may be stronger than our motivation to include quality foods on the menu. So, if we want to prepare a healthy snack, we can start by planning its composition before mealtime.

The good news is that it’s easy to prepare healthy snacks. In this way, we take care of our health.

Healthy snack

Here are some healthy snack options to get a good handful of nutrients.

Nut yogurt

Yogurt is one of the great candidates for being part of a good afternoon snack. In terms of taste, we can combine it with any fruit and it is also very easy to eat.

In terms of nutritional quality, it contains probiotic bacteria which take care of our gastrointestinal system. According to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology Clinics of North America , these microorganisms protect against the development of inflammatory digestive pathologies.

Nuts also contribute to an increased intake of high quality protein and fatty acids. However, they should be consumed in moderation, as they are high in energy.

Oat porridge

The amount of calories in our snack should be adapted to our energy expenditure, as well as the activity that precedes and follows.

If we need a food that gives us a good amount of slow-release energy, oatmeal is a great candidate. And, like yogurt, they contain prebiotic fiber that can support gut health. This is proven by a study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry .

Fruits

If you are short on time or are not at home, you can always snack on some fruit. Most of them contain phytonutrients with antioxidant capacity. Plus, it’s a great way to stay hydrated on hot days.

It is a particularly recommended snack for those who do not eat fruit at other times of the day or for those who are not used to drinking a lot of water.

Rice cakes with guacamole

Guacamole, thanks to the avocado, is one of the preparations that can count on good quality fats. It can be consumed at any time of the day. It also has a taste that most of us love.

Rice or corn cakes can be used as sandwiches. They will always be a much better choice than bread, which is made from refined flour.

Hummus with vegetable sticks

Almost all experts agree that pulses should be included in the diet regularly. A good way to follow this recommendation is to eat hummus. Indeed, it is a preparation capable of reducing the main side effect of these vegetables, the formation of gas. As the fibers are destroyed by grinding, digestion is much easier.

High cocoa chocolate

Who says chocolate can’t be eaten as part of a healthy diet? However, it is important that a high concentration of cocoa is present. Most commercial chocolates contain too much added sugar, which affects their quality.

Whipped cream cheese with pieces of fruit

Another healthy snack option for those with a big appetite right now is whipped cream cheese. Without being high in energy, it has a higher density than yogurt, which makes it more satiating. In addition, it always contains proteins of high biological value, which makes it a high quality food.

Serrano ham and cheese

Not all salted meats are bad. Serrano ham and cheese can be part of a healthy snack. However, it is important to read the labeling to verify that it does not contain additives. If this assumption holds true, we would be dealing with two products that are high in protein and very healthy.

Salmon pâté and rice cakes

Most pies belong to the group of ultra-processed, low-quality foods. However, the salmon pie is an exception. It is generally made from natural ingredients and does not contain additives or sugars. It’s best to check the label first, but it’s usually a pretty good product.

Peanut butter

For nut lovers, peanut butter is a great option. However, it is a product rich in calories: it is therefore necessary to pay attention to the quantities.

When choosing a brand on the market, check that it does not contain added sugars. The butter can be spread on toast or on a rice cake.

Mussels

It’s an unpopular option, but a can of canned mussels can be a great resource for a healthy snack. Mussels and clams are a good example.

They can be eaten as is, accompanied by lean meat such as ham, or even with wholemeal bread. They provide the highest quality protein.

Prepare healthy snacks

As you have seen, making a good snack is easy to plan. As we have seen with these healthy snacks, there are several options to replace ultra-processed foods without having to spend a lot of time preparing them.