Healthy Snack Foods: That's Not an Oxymoron

Do a little clever searching, and you'll find plenty of information on specific ingredients to add to your recipes for an extra boost of energy and nutrients. Likewise, it's not too hard to find recipes or even whole menus composed of nutrient-rich, healthful choices. That's all fine for preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you might be thinking, but what do I do when I just feel the need for a little something between meals?

To begin with, don't go running for that vending machine or wandering in search of a Starbucks. (You knew I would say that.) Here are a just a few of my favorite great snack options.

1) Crackers and Crisps Sometimes you just want something that goes "crunch." Believe it or not, there are plenty of healthful options to choose from these days--and you don't have to look high and low to find them. Just take a walk through the natural foods section of almost any major grocery chain. Organic, nutritious, vegan, and gluten-, preservative-, and sugar-free snacks are going mainstream as people recognize just how much food affects health.

Fortunately, products labeled as "appetite control," "low carb," or "allergen-free" are not necessarily boring or flavorless any more. Two of my favorite snacks are dietetic crackers--no kidding! One brand boasts 85% bran and is low in carbs, while the other includes protein-rich brown rice and quinoa as well as mineral and nutrient packed flax and sesame seeds. Both offer a crunch that's satisfying alone or with toppings and dips.

2) Herbal Coffee Substitutes Sometimes I crave coffee when I get home from work, but don't want the stimulant effects of caffeine. I'm always glad to have my favorite coffee substitute on hand to brew up just like regular coffee grounds.

An online search or a walk down the aisles of your local health food store may turn up many brands to choose from, but my personal favorite is Teeccino. Derived from roots and nuts, it is available in a variety of flavors. Personally, I'm a fan of the dark roast and the vanilla hazelnut. Now if I could only switch to drinking it instead of coffee in the morning. That's still a "work in progress." I'll keep you posted!

3) Unsalted Almonds Sound too plain to satisfy, or too simple to consider a food on their own? Think again. Almonds are wonderful. They boast high levels of protein, fiber, omega-6 fats, and vitamin E, and a host of minerals including potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Add their terrific flavor and the ease of packing a serving's worth into a small, convenient place like a purse or pocket, and you have the ultimate snack.

Snacking is not an absolute no-no in a balanced diet . In fact, I recommend having a few healthful snacks on hand so when that occasional craving strikes, you'll be prepared to meet it wisely--and not be tempted away instead by the first oversalted, fatty, empty-calories junk-food option that comes along. Challenge yourself to try out a new between-meals food this week. Your healthier, more energetic body will thank you for it.