5 Healthy and Easy Snacks

The terms "healthy" and "easy" can be a bit broad, so in this article I'm going to give you my top five picks and why I feel they fit these criteria.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt comes in a variety of flavors which makes it a versatile ingredient in a number of recipes but can definitely stand alone as a nutrient packed snack. Greek yogurt is packed full of protein (generally 8-12 grams per container) and will vary in calorie/sugar content depending on the brand or variety you choose. My personal choice is Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt. When compared to other brands, it has the lowest calorie and sugar content. Also, I just like the way these taste. Regardless, you can't really go wrong with any Greek yogurt.

Sweet Potatoes

First off, if you're thinking, "Sweet potatoes are high in carbs" then yes, you're correct. But, all carbs are not created equal. Sweet potatoes contain fiber, which is considered a "complex carbohydrate" or "good carb." Fiber is vital for functions within the body and can easily become deficient. In addition to fiber, sweet potatoes also contain a multitude of other healthy vitamins, making them very nutrient dense. Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite go-to sides throughout the week. I enjoy minimal cooking where possible, so I get the microwaveable ones that are sold at pretty much any grocery store. No baking required, just 8-10 minutes in the microwave and eureka! Beware, like all carbs, even good carbs are still sugars so you need to be mindful of your intake.

Cottage Cheese

As stated before, I'm all about ease and simplicity when it comes to nutrition, and cottage cheese fits this perfectly. In terms of protein content, this is one of the most protein dense foods you can eat. This is a perfect food for getting the most bang for your buck (both literally and nutritionally) because in addition to its nutritional density, it's also pretty cheap. When searching for your cottage cheese, always look for a low or non fat version as well as low sodium. Sodium can be deceptively high in many cheese varieties.

Quinoa

Quinoa is another fine example of a "good carb" food. Quinoa contains adequate amounts of fiber, B vitamins, iron, and is gluten free for those with gluten sensitivities. Where quinoa really stands out is its protein. While numerous plant based foods contain protein, most plant proteins are incomplete, meaning they lack certain amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Quinoa is superior because it contains all the essential amino acids making it one of the few foods in this category.

Blueberries

In terms of convenience, it doesn't get much better than this. Just wash and enjoy one of the most nutrient packed foods you can consume. Blueberries have so many innate positive affects on the human body that their benefits are widely studied. Blueberries contain fiber, vitamins and minerals. One of blueberries best qualities are their antioxidants. Antioxidants basically help to clean up the cells in the body. Blueberries also may help to promote heart health and potentially lower blood pressure. One factor to be aware of is that they do contain fructose, which is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits. So as with any sugar intake, you should be mindful and adjust your diet accordingly.