5 Healthy Snack Ideas — For Less!

Healthy snack ideas we love! Credit: Korjarie Matiessa, Flickr

Can you get through the day without snacking? I certainly can’t. In fact, just the other day I texted Jenn that I was on lunch number two at about half past noon, having eaten my first lunch a couple hours prior. Yes, I ate my first lunch at 10:30 a.m. At least the beauty of working from home is that most of the time, there are more meals at hand when you desperately need another meal in your belly. But whether you do mini-meals or just need quick snacks to munch to get you through an afternoon, we love these tips from Allison Stowell MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian for the Guiding Stars Licensing Company. These  are not only great healthy snacking ideas, but they’re also great cheap snacking ideas!

5 Cheap and Healthy Snack Ideas

1. Do it yourself. Save money and create DIY trail mixes that will match your taste and fit well with your day. Busy parents can get kids involved by setting up a “trail mix bar” of cereals, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, small crackers and more. Then scoop some of each or mix and match to create trail mixes that can be added to yogurt for a quick parfait or consumed on their own.

2. Stock protein-rich granola bars. Look for protein-rich granola bars such as Kashi Chewy Granola Bars. You will be able to purchase a box of these bars for much less than the price of individual energy bars, and they provide all of the protein and heart healthy fat you need for a wholesome snack.

3. Sometimes a little convenience is worth it … Guiding Star rated that small individual servings of humus, pre-portioned 100 calorie servings of Wholy Guacamole and individual packets of Justin’s Almond Butter are worth picking up, especially when you can pair them with your own crackers or cut vegetables. These quick snacks will work for on-the-go parents and professionals eating snacks behind their desk … or wheel.

4. Cheese and fruit. The less-likely snack combination of a fresh apple and cheddar cheese is ideal for long-lasting energy that is sure to hold you over through a long afternoon. Amp up the convenience factor with pre-sliced apples (which are treated with a little vitamin C to prevent browning so they are perfect for packing) and individual cheese sticks or mini Cabot 50% Light Cheddar blocks.

5. When you have the time … Plan ahead! Prepare your snacks in advance by making something at home that can be prepared and frozen so that you can grab and go when you need. Try one of these ideal recipes for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bumps or Chocolate Date Snack Bars.

What are your favorite cheap, healthy snack ideas? —Erin