Snacks: Extra Nutritional Insurance
Snacking throughout the day is a good way to sneak extra calories and protein into your diet, particularly if you have lost your appetite or feel fatigued.
Tips for Snacking Smart
Think of snacks as small meals. Aim for snacks that are between 150 and 300 calories and provide a mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The key to snacking is having snacking foods ready that do not require much preparation or effort. To save time: cut up raw vegetables ahead of time so they are ready to eat; keep fruit in a bowl on the table or cut up in the refrigerator; or make a dozen hard-boiled eggs on Sunday for a grab-and-go, high-protein snack during the week. Your snacking goal should be nutrient-dense and enjoyable snacks!
More Easy Snacks for Work, Home, or On the Go:
- One string cheese and whole-grain crackers
- ½ cup nonfat yogurt mixed with fresh fruit and topped with granola
- 1 tablespoon hummus with vegetables and one small pita pocket
- One slice of turkey, one slice of cheese, and one slice of bread, with one piece fresh fruit
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, ½ cup pineapple, and 1 tablespoon almonds
- ½ of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with one piece fresh fruit
- 6 ounces Greek-style yogurt, with ¼ cup granola
- 2 graham crackers, 1 tablespoon hazelnut spread, and one small banana
- ½ cup sorbet and 1 cup berries
- ¾ cup high-fiber cereal, 6 fluid ounces of skim milk, and berries
- One fiber bar and one piece of fruit
- 20 almonds and one piece of fresh fruit
- One slice whole-grain bread, one slice cheese, tomato, and mustard
- Dried fruits and nuts, such as raisins, dried apricots, dates, and nuts.
Not Hungry? Try Drinking Snacks for Added Nutrition:
- Make a milk shake or smoothie
- Buy a ready-to-drink nutrition shake at the grocery store—try different recipes and flavors to find your favorites