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20 Healthy Snack Swaps That Taste Great Too

Avoid the mid-afternoon slump with these nutritious swaps.

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chia pudding parfait with chocolate and yoghurt with blueberries and granola in jars
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Snacks can be a delicious and healthy option to keep you fueled and satisfied during the day, but they can also be quite sneaky sources of added sugar and artificial ingredients. These smart swaps help to amp up the fiber, protein and nutritional value of your favorite bites and minimize any unnecessary sweeteners or junk to help avoid that dreaded sugar crash. While you're at it, check out our favorite recipes for healthy sandwiches, our favorite healthy snacks for work and our guide to 50+ other amazing healthy snacks to enjoy.

1

Instead of Grapes ...

red grapes
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This fruit is still nutritious and contains a slew of vitamins and minerals, but a cup of grapes has a mere 1 gram of dietary fiber.

2

Try Raspberries

raspberries at campo de' fiori market
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Just one cup of raspberries gives you a whopping 8 grams of fiber to help keep you fueled and satisfied. They're also high in several antioxidant compounds. Pair them with a handful of nuts for a protein boost.

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3

Instead of a Bagel ...

isolated close up of of sesame bagel on a white background
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The size of a bagel has nearly doubled over the past few decades. Bagels can average anywhere from 250 to 400 calories (that's before the spreads and toppings). Most bagels pack in at least 60 grams of carbs from white refined carbohydrates too.

4

Try an English Muffin

english muffins in bowl
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This option tends to be a more portion-controlled choice and is only about 150 calories. Plus, it still tastes great (bonus points for getting whole wheat if you can find it). A whole wheat mini bagel isn't a bad choice either.

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5

Instead of Fruit Juice ...

orange juice in glass against white background
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Essentially a concentrated source of sugar and calories, fruit juice is void of any fiber and takes out much of the nutritional benefits of eating the fruit in its whole form.

6

Try Infused Water

glass of infused water with orange, blueberries and mint on ice
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A piece of whole fruit is always better than a cup of juice, but sometimes you just want to sip on a refreshing drink. Try slicing a few pieces of fruit and letting it infuse in your water. Not only does it add a great burst of flavor, but it'll also contribute to your hydration for the day.

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7

Instead of American Cheese ...

american cheese slices
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This pick tends to be ultra-processed and loaded with excessive amounts of sodium. Typically paired with salty crackers or bread, it's not the healthiest combo.

8

Try Alpine Lace Swiss Cheese

folded slices of cheese
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This option is one of the lowest-sodium cheeses around and still tastes great on crackers or a sandwich. Add a slice of tomato or vegetable of your choice for extra nutrition.

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9

Instead of Chips ...

close up of potato chips against white background
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The high calorie count, sodium content and fat in this crunchy snack can really bog you down, not to mention the fact that they are typically void of fiber and protein.

10

Try Popcorn

best microwave recipes   gourmet popcorn
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Air-popped or lightly oil-popped popcorn is a fantastic choice to satisfy that crunchy snack craving. It's also one of the world's most popular sources of dietary fiber and is full of healthy polyphenols.

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11

Instead of White Bread ...

white bread
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This option is low in fiber and protein, and the white refined carbohydrates are digested and absorbed rapidly which can spike your blood sugar.

12

Try Sprouted Bread

top view of sliced wholegrain bread on dark ructic wooden background closeup
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Sprouted grain bread is packed with healthy nutrients and dietary fiber which has been shown to provide several heart healthy benefits. It has a nutty flavor and great texture that adds personality to any snack or sandwich.

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13

Instead of Mayo ...

close up of mayonnaise in spoon against white background
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In moderation, mayo can be part of a healthy diet. But the downside of this family-favorite spread is that it is void of fiber.

14

Try Avocado

mashed avocado
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This yummy fruit (yes fruit!) is super nutritious and loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Plus, just half an avocado contains 5 grams of healthy fiber! Use it as a spread on crackers or rice cakes.

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15

Instead of Yogurt Covered...

strawberry flavoured yogurt covered pretzels in paper cone on white background
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Although you may think you're making a healthy choice by choosing yogurt-covered pretzels and raisins, they actually tend to contain more sugar than even chocolate-coated options.

16

Try Dipping in Yogurt

boy dipping strawberry in yogurt
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Grab a portion controlled handful of pretzels or a few pieces of fruit and dip it into yogurt for a far less sugary option than the yogurt candy chip varieties.

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17

Instead of Flavored Yogurt ...

yogurt   isolated on white
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While we're talking about yogurt, not all yogurt is considered healthy. You want to check the ingredients label to make sure it's full of words you know and can pronounce. More importantly, take a look at the sugar content. A standard 6-oz yogurt container shouldn't have more than 10 grams of added sugar.

18

Try Plain Yogurt With Berries

homemade granola with yogurt, berry and honey
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Opt for plain yogurt and flavor it yourself using nature's candy (aka fruit). Load it up with berries for tons of fiber and antioxidants. Bonus points for picking Greek yogurt which has a ton of filling protein.

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19

Instead of Granola ...

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We all love this crunchy snack and yogurt topping, but it can often be loaded with sugar and ingredients like high fructose corn syrup.

20

Try Fiber Cereal

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You're likely reaching for the granola to add crunch to a yogurt parfait, so instead opt for a healthy fiber cereal. You'll still get that satisfying crunch without all of the added sugar, plus a healthy dose of filling fiber.

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