The Unexpectedly Healthy Snacks You Need to Try

When people are in the mood for a snack, it’s easy to reach for chips, candy bars, and other potentially unhealthy options. However, plenty of snacks are surprisingly healthy and delicious. For example, jerky is protein-rich and perfect for folks with busy lifestyles that have them constantly on the go.

Jerky: Protein-Rich and Perfect for Outdoor or On-the-Go Lifestyles

Jerky is popular among campers, backpackers, hikers, and folks with busy lifestyles. It is incredibly portable and high in protein. It is also low in fat and available in flavors such as beef, chicken, salmon, pork, turkey, and even vegan.

When you shop online, you can pick from multiple beef jerky brands and customize your selections your way according to the quality of ingredients, any dietary restrictions, and preferences such as loving hot and spicy flavors or sweet and spicy.

Beef jerky is also low in carbs and works well for low-carb and paleo diets. Do consume it in moderation if you’re choosing jerky high in sodium.

Air-Popped Popcorn: Low in Calories and High in Fiber

If you’re crazy about traditional microwave popcorn, try air-popped popcorn instead and avoid the unhealthy additives common among microwaveable popcorn. The main benefits of air-popped popcorn include these:

• Whole-grain snack
• Low in calories and high in fiber
• Filling and nutritious
• Seasoning such as chili powder lends extra flavor
• Control over how much salt, butter, and other ingredients you add

Popcorn can fill you up a good bit. You can eat an entire bowl, feel full, and have consumed only 200 calories. That is a win compared to drinking a 5-ounce milkshake that has you feeling hungry right afterward.

Roasted Chickpeas: Protein-Packed and Easy to Make

Roasted chickpeas are crunchy, satisfying, and easy to prepare at home. Chickpeas offer plant-based protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

To make them and customize them according to your preferences, season some cooked or canned chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Roast the chickpeas in the oven until they are crispy.

Dark Chocolate: Sweet and Rich in Antioxidants

If you’re hankering for a sweet treat, try some dark chocolate. It is surprisingly good for you, especially when it is at least 70% cocoa. That gives you the most health benefits.

Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. If you eat too much, though, it can become an unhealthy snack. Consume it in moderation. Assuming you don’t eat too much dark chocolate, the main benefits include these:

• Nutritious with soluble fiber and minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, and others
• Lots of antioxidants
• Flavonoids reduce blood pressure and enhance blood flow
• May protect against high cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk

Research also shows that dark chocolate may improve brain function and offer some skin protection against the sun.

Greek Yogurt: Creamy, High in Protein, and Low in Calories

Greek yogurt is creamy, delicious, and satisfying. Even better, it is low in calories and high in protein. It can also improve your gut health. That’s because it is a good source of calcium and probiotics, which help support a healthy gut.

The healthiest way to enjoy Greek yogurt is to get it plain and unsweetened. From there, add toppings such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or honey for extra flavor. If you buy Greek yogurt that is already flavored, you could end up with too much sugar.

Edamame: Plant-Based and Packed With Protein

Edamame is versatile and tasty. For example, you can buy it fresh or frozen, and simply steam or boil it until it’s tender. It is also possible to buy microwaveable varieties. Other benefits of edamame include these:

• Lots of protein and fiber
• Packed with iron, vitamin K, and other vitamins and minerals
• Easy to prepare

Roasted Vegetable Chips: Tasty, Crunchy, and High in Fiber

If you don’t think you can give up regular potato chips, try vegetable chips made from kale, beets, zucchini, sweet potatoes, or many other vegetables. They are healthier and high in fiber and nutrients. You can also season them with spices for extra flavor.

Roasted vegetable chips taste so good and are so crunchy, many people feel like they’re not missing out on regular chips at all. When you prep veggie chips at home, separate them by high and low water content.

Those such as zucchini, squash, and beetroot with high water content should be salted for a bit to release some moisture. Low-water content veggies such as taro, rutabaga, and sweet potatoes can go straight into the oven.

Lightly coat both types with avocado oil before they go in the oven to help with their crispness. A mandoline helps you slice the vegetables thinly to replicate that potato chip feel closely.

Snacking can be extremely healthy, and it’s always nice to discover unexpectedly healthy snacks such as beef jerky, air-popped popcorn, and vegetable chips. Try them and enjoy how delicious and nutritious they are.