You know how it is, right? That mid-morning slump hits, or maybe that afternoon craving monster starts to rumble? I’ve totally been there, and honestly, reaching for something sugary or processed just leaves you feeling worse in the long run.
So, I wanted to share some of my absolute favorite snacks that actually keep me feeling full and energized throughout the day. Think of this as your personal guide to conquering those cravings and powering through!
Trust me, these little bites are game-changers.
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Oh my goodness, these are nature’s perfect snack! I try to keep some in the fridge. They’re packed with protein (about 6g per egg!), which keeps you satisfied. Plus, they’re so easy to grab and give you vitamins!
For me, two hard-boiled eggs keep hunger away for ages. Sometimes I add salt and pepper, or a dash of hot sauce! So simple and so good for you.
2. Greek Yogurt With Berries
If you’re craving something creamy and a touch sweet, you HAVE to try this. Greek yogurt is packed with calcium, which is so important for strong bones. Top it with a handful of your favorite berries – think blueberries bursting with antioxidants, or sweet raspberries full of fiber, which aids digestion!
I love how versatile this snack is. Sometimes I’ll drizzle a little honey for sweetness, or add some nuts for a healthy dose of fats and crunch. It’s so refreshing and keeps me going until my next meal.
3. Edamame
Have you ever tried edamame? These young soybeans in their pods are such a fun snack! They’re loaded with fiber, which helps you feel full and supports healthy digestion, and they’re also a good source of iron, crucial for carrying oxygen throughout your body!
I love getting the steamed edamame and just popping the beans out. It takes a little time, which actually helps you eat more mindfully and feel more satisfied. A sprinkle of sea salt is all they need to taste amazing.
4. Turkey Or Chicken Breast Roll-Ups
When I’m really craving something savory, these roll-ups are my go-to. Just grab some slices of lean turkey or chicken breast. They’re a convenient and easy option! You can keep it super simple or get a little creative.
Sometimes I’ll spread a thin layer of cream cheese for a bit of richness or hummus for added fiber and flavor before rolling them up. Adding a crisp cucumber slice inside is great too for extra hydration!
5. Cottage Cheese With Sliced Avocado
Now, this might sound a little different if you haven’t tried it, but trust me! Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium. When you pair it with creamy, sliced avocado, it’s just delicious. The avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for satiety and heart health.
I usually just add a little salt and pepper, but sometimes a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning is fantastic. The healthy fats in avocado really help you feel full and satisfied.
6. Almonds And Walnuts
Okay, let’s talk about nuts! Almonds and walnuts are my absolute staples. They’re packed with healthy fats, which are so important for brain function and fullness, plus they offer a good amount of fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar. I always keep a small bag handy!
Just a small handful of almonds or walnuts can really make a difference. They give you that satisfying crunch, and those healthy fats help keep you feeling energized. Just remember moderation, as they are calorie-dense!
7. Chia Seed Pudding
You can make chia seed pudding with so many flavors! Chia seeds are amazing because they’re loaded with fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full, plus they’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
You can mix chia seeds with any kind of milk, add a touch of sweetener like maple syrup, and then get creative with toppings like fresh fruit for vitamins or nuts for added texture and healthy fats.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
Have you ever roasted pumpkin seeds? They are seriously addictive! These little guys are packed with fiber, which aids in digestion, magnesium (important for muscle function!), and zinc (great for your immune system!). You can buy them pre-roasted or roast them yourself!
I love the slightly nutty flavor and the satisfying crunch. They’re great on their own, or you can sprinkle them on salads or yogurt for an extra boost of nutrients and texture.
9. Trail Mix
Trail mix is like a customizable snack adventure! You can create your own perfect blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Just be mindful of the amount of dried fruit you add, as it can be higher in natural sugars.
I like to include almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds (a good source of vitamin E!), and maybe a few dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and antioxidants. It’s a great snack for on-the-go energy.
10. Peanut Butter With Apple Slices
This is a classic for a reason! The creamy, satisfying peanut butter paired with the crisp, slightly tart apple slices is just perfection. You get healthy monounsaturated fats from the peanut butter, and the apple provides a good dose of fiber, which helps you feel full.
Make sure to go for natural peanut butter if you can, as it usually has fewer added sugars and oils. You could also try other nut butters like almond butter, which is rich in vitamin E!
11. Apple Slices With Nut Butter
Apple slices with nut butter are just amazing. The fiber in the apple helps slow down digestion and keeps you feeling full, and the healthy fats in the nut butter provide sustained energy.
It’s such a simple snack to prepare, and it’s so much better for you than reaching for something processed or sugary. Plus, it’s super portable!
12. Carrot Sticks With Hummus
This is another one of my go-to snacks when I’m craving something crunchy and savory. Carrot sticks are loaded with fiber and beta-carotene (which your body converts to vitamin A!), and hummus, made from chickpeas, is a good source of fiber too. It’s a really satisfying combination.
You can find hummus in so many different flavors these days! It’s a super easy snack to pack for work or school, and it’s a much healthier alternative to chips and dip.
13. Whole Grain Crackers With Cheese
When I’m in the mood for something a little more substantial, whole grain crackers with a slice of cheese really hit the spot. Whole grain crackers provide fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and keeps you feeling full, and cheese is a good source of calcium (important for bone health!).
Look for crackers that are made with 100% whole grains to get the most fiber. You can use your favorite kind of cheese – cheddar, mozzarella, or even a soft cheese like goat cheese. It’s a simple and satisfying snack.
14. Pear Slices With Ricotta Cheese
This is a slightly more elegant snack option that’s still super easy to prepare. The sweetness of the pear pairs beautifully with the creamy, slightly tangy ricotta cheese. You get fiber from the pear, which helps with fullness.
Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for extra flavor and a touch of antioxidants. It’s a light yet satisfying snack that feels a little bit special.
15. Air-Popped Popcorn
Who doesn’t love popcorn? Air-popped popcorn is actually a really great snack because it’s high in fiber, which aids in digestion and fullness, and relatively low in calories (as long as you don’t load it up with too much butter and salt!). It gives you that satisfying crunch without a lot of guilt.
I like to pop my own popcorn at home – it’s so easy! You can just add a little bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Nutritional yeast gives it a cheesy flavor and adds some B vitamins!
16. Green Smoothie
Don’t be scared of the green color! Green smoothies can be absolutely delicious and are such a fantastic way to pack in a ton of nutrients. I usually blend spinach or kale (both packed with vitamins and minerals!) with some fruit (like berries for antioxidants or a banana for potassium), and some liquid like water or almond milk.
You can really customize your green smoothies to your liking. Add some chia seeds or flax seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s. It’s a quick and easy way to get a boost of energy and feel full.
17. Protein Shake
When I’m really short on time, a protein shake is my go-to. There are so many different protein powders out there – whey, plant-based, you name it! Just mix a scoop with some water or milk, and you’ve got a quick and easy snack that can help you feel full.
Protein shakes are super convenient and can provide a quick source of energy. You can even blend in some fruit or vegetables for extra vitamins and minerals.
18. Overnight Oats
Remember those overnight oats we talked about earlier? They’re not just for breakfast! They make a fantastic snack too. They’re packed with fiber from the oats, complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and you can add nuts or seeds for healthy fats!
You can prepare a big batch of overnight oats at the beginning of the week and then just grab a jar whenever you need a snack. The flavor possibilities are endless!
19. Coconut Yogurt With Granola
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt is a great choice. It’s creamy and delicious, and when you top it with some crunchy granola, it’s a really satisfying snack. Granola adds fiber and a bit of sweetness for a quick energy boost.
Look for coconut yogurt that isn’t too high in added sugars. You can also make your own granola at home so you know exactly what’s in it!
20. Rice Cakes With Avocado
Rice cakes might have a bit of a bad reputation, but they can actually be a great base for a healthy snack. Top a rice cake with some mashed avocado (rich in healthy fats!) and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a simple and satisfying bite. The rice cake provides some fiber.
You can also add other toppings to your rice cakes, like a slice of tomato for added vitamins or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor. They’re a super quick and convenient snack option.
21. Tuna Packets
These are a lifesaver when you need a quick snack on the go. Tuna packets are pre-cooked and ready to eat, and they’re a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
You can eat them straight out of the packet, or you can mix them with a little bit of mayonnaise or avocado for a more substantial snack. Serve with some whole grain crackers for added fiber or vegetable sticks for extra vitamins.
22. Jerky
Jerky, whether it’s beef, turkey, or even plant-based, is a fantastic snack for staying full. It’s a convenient and portable option.
Just be mindful of the sodium content in some jerky brands. Look for options that are made with quality ingredients and aren’t loaded with too much sugar or artificial additives.