Healthy snacking tips for everyday life

Let’s be honest. There’s an art to snacking. It’s poetry in motion that sometimes includes a midnight dash to the fridge, or a trip to the office breakroom, in search of something healthy and yummy enough to make you want to high-five your taste buds. Fear not, you can do better than that bag of potato chips. In fact, there’s a world of healthy snacks out there waiting to be discovered, and some of them actually taste good.

First up is air-popped popcorn. In addition to the magical ability to triple in volume and make you feel like you’re in a movie theater (without the sticky floors), popcorn is low in calories and high in fiber. The folks at The Nutrition Source say it’s a whole grain and good for your heart, possibly because your heart is happy you didn’t eat cheese puffs again.

Are you more of a mad scientist? Try a DIY trail mix. It’s the snack that lets you feel crafty without needing a glue gun. Grab some unsalted nuts (Almonds, anyone?), dried fruit and maybe a few dark chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild. According to an article on the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center website, nuts are little nutrient powerhouses, packed with good fats, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, so your brain will thank you.

How about a veggie? Wait, come back. Try hummus and veggie dippers. There are so many varieties, you are bound to find one you like. To learn more about the benefits, visit the National Library of Medicine website for this article.

So, next time your stomach growls louder than your neighbor’s desk fan, don’t settle for another mystery snack from the vending machine. Whether you choose popcorn, trail mix or veggies dipped in delicious hummus, your body will thank you for making snack time a whole lot healthier.