Healthy snack ideas for adults

Healthy snack ideas for adults
Snacks can be part of a balanced diet. Healthy snacks can maintain your energy level and provide you with the necessary nutrients. A healthy snack can also help you control your appetite and be less hungry during meals. Read on to know how to consume healthy snacks!

Tips for good snacks

A healthy snack is made up of the food groups in Canada's Food Guide. Strive to include foods from two food groups in your snack, such as a fruit and a handful of nuts, whole grain crackers and cheese, or hummus and vegetables.
Eat small snacks. Keep your portions under control by putting a single serving on a plate instead of serving directly in the box or bag.
Take a snack when you are hungry, not when you are bored or stressed, tired or upset. Excessive consumption could make you gain weight.
Avoid snacks while reading, working, watching TV or playing computer games. You are more likely to eat more if you are distracted.
Healthy snack ideas
Here are some delicious snack ideas including portion sizes to give you an idea of   the portions.

Takeaway snacks at work
1 Medium-sized fresh fruit such as banana, pear, apple or orange and 1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted nuts
2 Cups (500 mL) plain popcorn mixed with 1/4 cup (60 mL) roasted soy nuts
Hiker Blend: 1 oz (30 g) unsweetened whole grain cereal with 15 mL (1 tablespoon) raisins and 15 mL unsalted nuts
Individual portion of unsweetened applesauce sprinkled with 1 tbsp (15 mL) unsalted flaked almonds

Takeaway snacks in your bag
250 ml (1 cup) of vegetables such as carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes and hummus
1 slice of whole grain bread with 1 tbsp (15 mL) peanut butter or almonds
1 bar of dried fruits and unbranded nuts (take one with little added sugar)
A small homemade muffin or protein bars
Snacks to have at home
15 baby carrots with 30 ml (2 tablespoons) hummus
250 ml (1 cup) of yogurt and berries parfait (add fresh or frozen berries to the yogurt)
3 rye crackers with 50 g (1.5 oz) of cheese
250 mL (1 cup) of a smoothie made with low-fat yogurt, fortified soy beverage or skim milk and your favorite fruit
30 g high fiber cereals and 125 mL (½ cup) skim milk
1 cup (250 mL) sweet peppers sliced   with ¼ cup (60 mL) guacamole
Bonus! Check out these recipes for quick snack ideas that are easy to prepare!

In conclusion
Snacks can be part of your daily diet if you opt for small portions of nutritious foods. Keep healthy snacks on hand to satisfy your hunger.