# Healthy Snacks: What They Are and Why You Should Eat Them

Snacking is a common habit that many people do throughout the day. Some people snack to satisfy their hunger, others to boost their energy, and some just to enjoy the taste of food. But not all snacks are created equal. Some snacks are high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Other snacks are low in calories, high in nutrients, and can help you lose weight, improve your health, and prevent diseases. These are the healthy snacks that you should aim for.

## What are healthy snacks?

Healthy snacks are foods that provide you with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are usually whole foods that are minimally processed and have few or no added sugars, salt, or artificial ingredients. Healthy snacks can help you meet your daily nutritional needs and keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals.

Some examples of healthy snacks are:

- Fresh fruits: They are rich in fiber, water, vitamin C, and other antioxidants that can protect your cells from damage and inflammation. Fruits also have natural sugars that can give you a quick boost of energy. Portable, easy-to-eat fruits include bananas, apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, and oranges¹.

- Nuts and seeds: They are packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, magnesium, selenium, and other minerals that can support your brain, heart, and immune system. Nuts and seeds also have a crunchy texture and a satisfying flavor that can curb your appetite. Some of the healthiest nuts and seeds are almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds¹.

- Yogurt: It is a good source of protein, calcium, probiotics, and other beneficial bacteria that can improve your digestion and gut health. Yogurt also has a creamy texture and a tangy taste that can pair well with fruits, nuts, granola, or honey. Choose plain yogurt over flavored ones to avoid added sugars¹.

- Hummus: It is a dip made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Hummus is high in protein, fiber,

(1) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/29-healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/29-healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss.

(2) https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/snacking. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/snacking/.