Healthy snack alternatives often puzzles people. We receive questions about it frequently, especially from users of the My Plate Coach app. Is apple and peanut butter a healthy snack? What is the healthiest food to snack on? These are just some of the questions that need clarity. No worries, our nutritionist is here to help. You also get some useful tips on how to choose a healthy snack and how to make easy snack combinations.
Why are healthy snack alternatives an important part of the daily diet?
Healthy snack combinations come in handy when the gap between main meals becomes too long. Its purpose is to maintain energy levels and help keep portion sizes appropriate.
Healthy quick bites are not just a small addition to your daily meals, but a significant factor in maintaining energy levels and a balanced diet. A well-composed snack helps keep blood sugar levels stable. A healthy snack supports energy balance, concentration, and general well-being, whether you’re at work, school, or going about your daily tasks.
How many snacks a day?
Although meal timing is individual, most people benefit from 1-2 healthy quick bites in addition to the main meals. We’ve written about the importance of regular meal timing before—check out more posts on the blog.
By choosing easy and healthy snack combinations and maintaining a regular meal rhythm, you ensure that your body and mind stay in good shape throughout the day.
Is apple and peanut butter a healthy snack?
We often get asked about what makes a good snack or why, for example, an apple isn’t a good snack. The simple answer is that an apple alone isn’t nutritious enough. That is why apple and peanut butter is a better combo for a healthy snack. We recommend that you keep your peanut butter sugar free and add a little more variety to your healthy choices from time to time.
Just remember, that a single apple (or other fruit) doesn’t keep hunger away long enough, which can lead to larger portion sizes at the next meal, leaving you feeling uncomfortable afterward.
When you assemble a snack that is nutritionally balanced, it will carry you well through to the next meal. Below you can read snack tips about how to choose a healthy snack and what kind of good and healthy snack combinations there are.
Healthy snack combinations are made with the 1+1+1 approach
How to choose a healthy snack combo? Nutritious snacks are easiest to build with the 1+1+1 approach.
- One part of the snack should always be vegetables or fruit, such as apples.
- The second part should be something high in fiber, like a slice of whole-grain bread, healthy granola, or oat flakes.
- The third part should be something rich in protein, such as an egg on the bread, yogurt with the granola, or some nuts.
What is the healthiest food to snack on? – nutritionist’s snack tips
Examples of healthy snacks:
- Yogurt, healthy granola, and fruit puree
- Rye bread, margarine, and egg, plus cherry tomatoes
- Apple, nuts, and a snack cookie
- Cottage cheese, berries, and oat flakes
Look for more ideas to add to your snack combinations from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Here is how you find the best healthy snacks from the store
Sometimes, the healthy snack has to be picked up quickly from the store. Many people find themselves confused when in a hurry, a little hungry, and faced with a large selection at the store. By keeping the 1+1+1 rule in mind, you’re less likely to walk out with just a chocolate bar.
Tips on how to choose a healthy snack from the store
Is apple and peanut butter a healthy snack to pick up from the store? We can assure you that when you combine a fruit and a sugar free peanut butter, it is a snack combination that is one of the healthier options.
But when you’re looking for the best healthy snacks at the grocery store, try these alternatives as well to pick the best healthy snack combination:
- First, stop by the vegetable and fruit section. Pick a seasonal fruit.
- Next, head to the dairy aisle. A healthy snack could be a low-sugar protein shake, a drinkable yogurt, a similar plant-based drinkable yogurt, or regular yogurt.
- For fiber, you can choose a snack cookie package, which can last for several snacks.
- Alternatively, try seed crackers.
- There are now some good options for stuffed sandwiches, such as those with salmon or ham slices.
- Grab some whole wheat bread and a fruit = a very healthy snack combination.
Read more: The 80/20 rule – more flexible approach to eating
Share healthy snack ideas with others – track your meals with the app
What do you eat for a healthy snack? If you want to keep track of your meals throughout the day, download the My Plate Coach app. If you have ideas for a healthy snack combination, share them on social media and tag @seehowyoueat. We’re happy to share healthy snack tips with others!
Wise choices for your mini meals!
Marika
Licensed nutritionist
See How You Eat team