12 Healthy Snacks Everyone Should Have On Hand

Do you often find yourself eyeing the snack machine in the office or scanning the pantry at home between meals?

Constantly feeling hungry can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to weight loss, especially if you're snacking on unhealthy foods like chips or candy bars all day. Unfortunately, these high-sodium or high-sugar foods will only satisfy you for a short time.

That's why stocking your pantry or office desk with healthy snacks packed with filling nutrients like fiber and protein is essential.

With that in mind, we compiled a list of 12 filling, healthy, simple snacks that can break the hangry cycle and keep you satisfied and energized all day.

Beef Jerky

Jerky is more than a road trip item. It's also an excellent, tasty choice for weekly snacking because it's packed with protein. The wide variety of flavors helps ensure you won't get bored, and some places even have vegetarian options.

Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is known as a high-calcium dairy product. But packed within all that creamy deliciousness is also a good deal of protein! Snacking down on one of these at 2 p.m. instead of the chocolate bar is a much healthier choice.

Edamame

Edamame is nutritionally-dense and sure to give you the energy boost you need in the afternoon. It's packed with fiber, soy protein, and vitamin K, and its salty flavor makes it an excellent chip substitute!

Raspberries

Raspberries are just the thing if you're looking for a natural source of fiber. One cup is only about 65 calories, but those calories deliver about 8 grams of dietary fiber. Their tart flavor makes them an excellent choice, particularly on hot, sunny days!

Avocado

Ah, nature's butter. Avocados may be high in calories, but they're also a perfect choice if you find yourself particularly hangry one afternoon. That's because they're filled with heart-healthy, polyunsaturated fat and fiber. Dust 1/2 of an avocado with a light sprinkling of salt and enjoy.

Pear

Pears are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and potassium. They have a rich, juicy taste to simultaneously satiate your hunger and thirst. Bonus! Women may find that eating a pear at least a few days a week helps keep their cycles regular, too!

Air-popped Popcorn

Many of us only think of popcorn when we sit to enjoy a Friday-night movie. But it's also a salty, fiber-packed, low-calorie treat for any time of day!

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds have it all — magnesium, fiber, vitamin E, zinc, phosphorus, protein, unsaturated fats — you name it. These crunchy little delights are fun to munch on when you're elbows-deep in a complex project and need something mindless but filling to enjoy.

Almonds

Almonds often make it onto healthy snack lists — and for good reason! They're an excellent substitute for high-sodium chips, and their protein-packed, crunchy texture is sure to bring all the deliciousness time and time again.

Roasted Chickpeas

There's a reason people in Middle Eastern countries have been growing and eating chickpeas for thousands of years. Chickpeas are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they may help improve your digestion, too! You can buy a pre-made snack version or mix them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper and bake them at 450 degrees for 15 minutes ahead of time!

Hard-Boiled Egg

It's no secret that eggs are filling and protein-packed. They're one of the most popular American foods for breakfast, and the hard-boiled varieties are the perfect choice for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Sprinkle it with some salt and dive right on in, any time of day.

Pepitas

Pepitas are green pumpkin seed kernels with a small (but mighty!) taste. They are full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and iron, all improving bone health and promoting fullness and energy. You can typically find pre-packaged versions at grocery stores or order them online. If you've never tried pepitas, there's no time like the present!



Snacking between meals doesn't have to derail your diet. Make simple, healthier choices to keep that energy level on point and your hangry-ness at bay!

Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.