A Complete Guide to Healthy Snacks (for Kids & Adults)
The search for good and healthy snacks seems never ending. Some are good for you, but unappealing, while others are delicious but not as nutrient dense. For many people it feels like you have to choose: something delicious or something virtuous. To help you to navigate this tricky landscape, we’ve put together a complete guide to healthy snacks. So whether you are looking for solutions for your kids or yourself, we’ve got you covered!
What you’ll find in this guide
- Our thoughts on why snacks and treats are important
- Tips on how to plan for and prepare snacks easily
- Snack ideas for everyone
- Frequently asked questions
Why Snacks and Treats Are Important
It’s easy to become so focused on healthy eating that we either feel paralyzed about what to eat, create really strict rules for ourselves, or throw in the towel and just go nuts with less healthy options. If any of this sounds like you, click below to discover a new perspective
How to Plan for & Prepare Snacks Easily
You’ve already got so much on your plate, so let’s make snack preparation as easy as possible. Here are ways to make planning for and preparing snacks simple.
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Snack Ideas for Everyone
Whether you are looking for snack ideas for yourself, your kids, or both, we’ve got you covered with ideas for every occasion.
No matter what sort of snack you’re craving, we’ve got a simple, healthy option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a snack healthy?
Ideally, a snack should offer a mix of healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber and serve up about 150-250 calories. This will help you to feel full for longer while also getting more macronutrients into your system. In addition, avoiding ultraprocessed food can help you to avoid hidden sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
How many snacks should I eat per day?
Many people eat 1 to 2 snacks per day, especially if there is a longer gap (4-5 hours) between meals. But because everyone is different, we recommend paying attention to your hunger cues to make sure you are eating out of hunger rather than out of boredom or because it’s a habit.
What food groups should I try to include in a snack?
Fruits and vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and whole grains are all great things to include in a snack.
Why am I hungry shortly after eating a snack?
Usually, hunger that quickly follows a snack is due to eating a snack that was high in simple carbohydrates and lacked other nutrients. Pairing the carbohydrates with protein or fat will help to slow digestion and keep you feeling full for longer.
If you would like more support with meal planning and preparation, sign up for a two-week free trial of our online meal planning service and see how simple planning, easy cooking, and joyful eating can be!