Let’s be real, we all snack. And actually, snacking isn’t “bad” for you if you do it in moderation and make healthy choices. Try these tips to do both!

Yes, we all have long days at work where we start craving something sweet or need something salty to help us snap out of the workday lull, but if you’re smart about how you snack you’ll feel, and maybe even look, better. And who doesn’t want that? 

As boring as “healthy snacks” might sound, you’d be surprised at just how tasty they are, all the new things you’ll get to try, and how easy they are to tote around with you on the go. (Seriously, they fit in your laptop bag, purse, workout bag or backpack just as easily as the prepackaged stuff.)

So, let’s toss the excuses aside and run through some of the healthy, nutritious items that you should be adding to the top of your grocery list.

First: Munchies that crunch.

So we’re talking about:

• Apples and pears
• Carrot and celery sticks
• Bell pepper slices
• Zucchini or cucumber circles (Sounds fancy, huh?)
• Roasted chickpeas
• Broccoli and cauliflower florets
• Popcorn (It’s a whole grain! Who knew?)
• Rice cakes and whole-grain crackers
• Nuts and seeds (Hit those good fats!)

Second: Rethink your drink.

Ditch your high-sugar go-to and try:

• Plain or sparkling water (Not glam enough? Add some fruit and herbs to it!)
• Fat-free milk or plain soymilk
• Unsweetened tea or coffee
• 100% fruit juice (Stick to a small glass)
• Low-sodium tomato or mixed vegetable juice

Third: Snacks that satisfy.

Guaranteed to fill you right up:

• Whole-grain toast with peanut or almond butter
• Cherry tomatoes with hummus
• Low-fat or fat-free cheese 
• Plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt (An awesome pairing with fruit!)
• Fruit and veggie smoothie
• Whole-grain crackers with canned tuna or salmon

And finally (drumroll please): Snacks to curb your sweet tooth.

Give these a try:

• Canned fruit (in natural juice or light syrup)
• Thin slice of angel food cake or homemade banana-nut bread
• Baked apple 
• Raisins, dates, figs and other unsweetened dried fruits
• Frozen banana
• Frozen grapes
• Fresh fruit salad (Use your imagination and get creative when choosing fruits)

We’d be slacking if we didn’t remind you to check out the nutrition label and choose wisely when shopping. Watch for added sugars and salt, and try making healthier versions of packaged snacks at home so you can choose the ingredients.

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