Healthy Snack Ideas for Busy People

I haven’t shared a nutrition tips related post in a little while, so today we’re going to talk healthy snacking. I’m sharing my best healthy snack ideas for busy people, from lightly sweet snacks to savory bites! They’re all quick and easy to make at home.

Is Snacking Good for You?

As you guys probably already know by now, I’m a big fan of snacking. Back when I first graduated from college, I used to try to stick to 3 meals a day, but this always left me absolutely starving and cranky (“hangry,” if you will) by dinnertime. It also made it hard to get in a post-workday workout!

Finally, I discovered the solution was to simply have an afternoon snack. The key is to pick an afternoon snack that is high in protein and incorporates some healthy fat.

For example, if you’re having fruit, pair it with something with a little protein and/or healthy fat, too, to tide you over longer. Steer clear of sugary drinks and processed carbs like 100-calorie packs – those will just leave you crashing and burning later from the simple sugar.

When talking to my AnneTheRD nutrition counseling clients, I find that people either try to avoid snacking because they don’t think they should, or they don’t plan well and have nothing on hand when they do get hungry. Both of these scenarios usually end with them being so starved that they either reach for the office candy jar or vending machine, or overdo it later on at dinnertime.

The key is to listen to your body. If you’re hungry, don’t deny your hunger! Just make a smart choice. So let’s all do a little snack planning. It’s just like meal planning, but with snacks!

Here are some of my favorite easy and portable healthy snacks:

1: Fruit & Nuts or Nut Butter

I love this snack because it’s so easy! Simply throw a piece of whole fruit (or pack some berries) and a serving of nuts or nut butter in your bag and you’re ready to rock!

These peanut butter stuffed dates are a great example:

2: Granola Bars or Fruit & Nut Bars/Snack Bites

The key with granola/fruit and nut bars is to avoid any that have a lot of added sugar or weird processed ingredients.

Want to try making your own homemade versions? Here are some recipes:

• 5-Minute No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
• Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
• Homemade Protein Granola Bars
• Puffed Rice Granola Bars with Curry (No Bake)
• Vanilla Protein Balls with Figs

3: String Cheese & Fruit, Hard-Boiled Eggs, or Nuts

Pair the string cheese with a piece of fruit, or a couple hard boiled eggs, or a serving of nuts.

4: Greek Yogurt

I love Greek yogurt because it’s packed with protein! Look for a Greek yogurt without any additives or fillers. If you’re feeling especially hungry, add some nuts or seeds on top for a little healthy fat.

5: Hummus & Veggies

Hummus adds some protein and healthy fat, and the veggies will give you some great nutrients! Try keeping the tub of hummus in the fridge at work, and bring in some sliced carrots, celery, bell peppers, etc. to enjoy with it.

Another option is hummus-inspired dips, like this healthier spicy hummus queso or this white bean avocado hummus!

More Healthy Sweet Snacks

Whether you want to stick to naturally fruit-sweetened snacks, or you’re looking for snacks sweetened with ingredients like maple syrup or honey, here are some delicious and nutritious options:

Peanut Butter Bliss Balls (No Bake)

These peanut buttery snack balls are sweetened with honey and packed with wholesome ingredients like chia seeds, oats, and dried cranberries. They’re easy to make ahead and there’s no baking required!

Balsamic Avocado Strawberry Toast

Bright, sweet strawberries come together with balsamic glaze for a quick and delicious snack toast! There’s no cooking required – other than toasting a piece of bread – and it only takes a few minutes to throw together.

Coconut Banana Chia Pudding

This banana chia pudding is made with coconut milk for the ultimate creamy make ahead snack! It only takes 5 minutes to throw together, then just let it sit in the fridge overnight.

You can make a bigger batch to enjoy for a couple days in a row! Top with your favorite fruit/berries and shredded coconut for even more flavor and texture.

Banana Spinach Smoothie

This green smoothie is super quick and easy: just throw the ingredients into a blender and whirl away! It’s naturally sweetened with ripe banana and is packed with a hidden veggie (spinach) that you won’t even notice.

To save even more time, prep the ingredients that can be frozen in individual bags and store in the freezer until you’re ready to make your smoothie!

More Savory Snack Ideas

Smashed Avocado Toast with Goat Cheese

This goat cheese avocado toast is super flavorful and brightened up with a squeeze of lemon juice. Ground pepper and arugula give it a nice peppery flavor, too! So quick and easy to make.

Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza Bars

These cheesy pizza bars are like a crispy version of a savory granola bar! They’re packed with goodness like pumpkin seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, and oats – plus two kinds of cheese – for a tasty portable snack.

Baked Kale Chips (4 Ways)

You might be shocked how quick and easy these crispy baked kale chips are! With four different flavor variations (Lemon Garlic, Everything Bagel, Spicy Nacho, and Ranch), you’re bound to find a crave-worthy version you’ll love.

I hope you guys found these healthy snack ideas helpful!

What’s your favorite healthy afternoon snack when you’re on the go?

Love this post? Check out the nutrition tips and snack-related posts I’ve written in the past:

• Healthy Toddler Snack Ideas
• Foods With Omega-3 Fatty Acids (+ Why You Should Eat Them!)
• 17 Easy Vegan Snack Ideas
• 21 Homemade Hiking Snacks
• What Time Should You Stop Eating?
• Healthy Portable Snack Ideas
• How Much Protein Should You Eat?
• Intuitive Eating While Working From Home
• Healthy Pantry Staples List (+ Recipes with Pantry Items)