{"id":265187,"date":"2026-01-26T19:21:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:21:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/265187\/"},"modified":"2026-01-26T19:21:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:21:12","slug":"10-healthiest-snacks-for-curbing-hunger-between-meals-according-to-dietitians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/265187\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Healthiest Snacks for Curbing Hunger Between Meals, According to Dietitians"},"content":{"rendered":"

Snacking<\/a> often gets a bad rap\u2014but it can actually be helpful for staying energized<\/a> and full throughout the day. The key is to choose foods that are rich in satiating nutrients, such as complex carbohydrates, fiber<\/a>, lean protein, and healthy fats. Not to mention, \u201cMindful snacking<\/a> can help you meet your macronutrient goals, fill in micronutrient gaps, squeeze in more fiber, and recover from workouts (especially if you won\u2019t be eating a larger meal for a while),\u201d says Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN. But what do these snacks look like, exactly? And how do you eat them for optimal nutrition? Ahead, learn about the top 10 healthiest snacks you can enjoy between meals, according to dietitians.<\/p>\n

Kristen Lorenz<\/a>, RD, is a registered dietitian and the founder of Kristen Lorenz Nutrition
\nMaddie Pasquariello<\/a>, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Nutrition With Maddie<\/p>\n

Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds <\/p>\n

Satisfy your sweet tooth\u2014and energy levels\u2014with dark chocolate-covered almonds. When made with minimal ingredients (i.e., nothing more than melted dark chocolate<\/a> and almonds<\/a>), this snack will keep you full, according to Pasquariello. That\u2019s because it contains good fats<\/a>, fiber, and plant-based protein, all of which support satiety and provide fuel. \u201cDark chocolate also offers antioxidant flavanols and minerals, as well as less sugar than other types of chocolate,\u201d says Pasquariello. To make this snack at home, simply coat almonds (or your favorite nuts) with melted dark chocolate and let them harden. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or sea salt right after coating the nuts.\n<\/p>\n

Popcorn <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a fan of crunchy snacks<\/a>, you\u2019ll be glad to know that popcorn<\/a> is on the list of healthy energy-boosting options<\/a>. \u201cPopcorn is a whole grain<\/a> and a source of fiber,\u201d explains Kristen Lorenz, RD. The fibrous carbs in popcorn provide a steady source of energy, along with digestive benefits. \u201cAdditionally, popcorn can be flavored in a variety of ways, making it an excellent alternative to processed chips,\u201d adds Lorenz. For example, you can \u201csprinkle popcorn with nutritional yeast<\/a> for a cheesy flavor without dairy, or experiment with spices like chili powder or cinnamon<\/a>,\u201d she suggests. While you\u2019re at it, air pop popcorn at home when possible, which will allow you to control the amount of oil and salt, Lorenz notes.\n<\/p>\n

Yogurt <\/p>\n

Yogurt<\/a> is a stellar source of protein<\/a>, which \u201chelps maintain energy levels and prevents the mid-afternoon energy slump,\u201d says Lorenz. \u201cFull-fat Greek yogurts<\/a> are extra creamy, yielding a seemingly indulgent snack while packing in protein to keep you full and satisfied,\u201d she adds. This snack also offers bone-healthy calcium<\/a> and gut-friendly probiotics<\/a>, giving you a nutritious bang for your buck. To get the most out of yogurt, opt for the plain, unsweetened kind, suggests Lorenz. You can flavor it naturally \u201cwith fresh berries, a drizzle of honey<\/a>, maple syrup, or cinnamon,\u201d she notes. Want to make your yogurt even more filling? \u201cAdd nuts or seeds<\/a> for a boost of fiber and fats,\u201d says Lorenz.\n<\/p>\n

Trail Mix <\/p>\n

Of course, all trail mixes are different\u2014but when made at home with whole, minimal ingredients, trail mix can be a nutritious and energizing snack<\/a>. \u201cLet\u2019s say you made your own with half an ounce each of almonds and walnuts, plus some chocolate candies and dried cranberries<\/a>,\u201d says Pasquariello. This mixture offers a healthy combination of carbohydrates, fiber, good fats, and plant-based protein<\/a>, all of which will keep you satiated and energized. Enjoy trail mix on its own, or with yogurt for extra staying power.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Avocado Toast <\/p>\n

\u201cAvocado<\/a> toast contains a balance of healthy fats, vitamin A<\/a>, potassium<\/a>, fiber, and carbs,\u201d explains Pasquariello. \u201cGiven the balance of healthy fats and carbs, this is another good snack to help you power through an afternoon of work,\u201d she notes. The reason? Both nutrients provide fuel for the body, keeping you energized and ready to take on the day. And while you can\u2019t go wrong with a plain avocado toast, you can top it off with eggs, scrambled tofu, or tempeh<\/a> for satiating protein, suggests Pasquariello. Likewise, opt for whole grain bread<\/a> for complex carbs and extra fiber, which will provide a steady dose of energy.<\/p>\n

Hard-Boiled Eggs <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a snack that\u2019s nutritious and energizing to boot, reach for hard-boiled eggs<\/a>. \u201cThey contain protein and healthy fats, which provide sustained energy and keep hunger at bay,\u201d says Lorenz. \u201cHard-boiled eggs are also a source of complete protein<\/a>, meaning you\u2019ll get all nine essential amino acids you need,\u201d she adds. What\u2019s more, they\u2019re convenient to prepare and grab (vs. scrambled<\/a> or poached eggs<\/a>, for example) when you\u2019re on the go. Try \u201cpairing hard-boiled eggs with sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for added crunch and hydration,\u201d suggests Lorenz. Another idea is to add sliced hard-boiled eggs to whole grain crackers for fiber, along with everything bagel seasoning or paprika for extra flavor, she notes.\n<\/p>\n

Carrots and Guacamole <\/p>\n

\u201cCarrots<\/a> offer fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates, while guacamole<\/a> delivers heart-healthy fats that help stabilize blood sugar and enhance satiety,\u201d explains Lorenz. The result is a filling, hunger-busting snack that will keep your energy levels up. Plus, \u201cthe natural sweetness of carrots satisfies crunchy snack cravings, while complimenting the salty and savory guacamole,\u201d she adds. To cut down on snack prep time, take a tip from Lorenz and store carrot sticks in water to keep them crisp. You can also buy single-serve guacamole cups, which are helpful when you\u2019re traveling\u2014but if you can, follow Lorenz\u2019s recommendation and choose homemade guacamole<\/a> with fresh lime juice and minimal salt.\n<\/p>\n

Tuna Pinwheels <\/p>\n

Tuna pinwheels\u2014i.e., tuna salad<\/a> wrapped in a tortilla and sliced into pinwheels\u2014are another healthy snack worth adding to your roster. The tortilla wrap offers fuel in the form of carbs, while the canned tuna provides satiating protein. Make this nosh even more satisfying by using a whole grain wrap and adding vegetables, like cucumber<\/a> or tomato, per Pasquariello. Both ingredients will add fiber and enhance satiety, while the vegetables will contribute micronutrients.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Chia Pudding <\/p>\n

For an energizing make-ahead snack, whip up a simple chia pudding<\/a> by combining chia seeds<\/a> and your milk of choice. According to Lorenz, chia seeds are rich in three satiating nutrients: fiber, omega-3 fatty acids<\/a>, and plant-based protein. As these nutrients reduce hunger, they\u2019ll quell the fatigue and tiredness that comes with it, keeping your energy levels up. \u201cPlus, when chia seeds are mixed with liquid, they swell up and create a gel-like texture that promotes satiety and stabilizes blood sugar levels (and therefore, energy),\u201d says Lorenz. For the most health benefits and natural flavor, \u201cmake your chia pudding with unsweetened milk, a dash of cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla extract,\u201d she explains. \u201cTop [it] with fresh fruit, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts for added texture, flavor, and antioxidants.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bananas and Nut Butter <\/p>\n

Bananas<\/a> and nut butter, such as almond butter<\/a>, provides a generous helping of carbs, fiber, fat, and protein. \u201cTogether, these nutrients offer a satiating combo in terms of overall energy,\u201d says Pasquariello. \u201cBananas also provide micronutrients like potassium, [and] the nut butter will provide B vitamins<\/a> and minerals like magnesium,\u201d she notes. To enjoy this nutrient-dense snack, slice a banana into strips, lengthwise, and spread the nut butter on top. If you need or want to reduce the fat content, Pasquariello suggests using less nut butter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Snacking often gets a bad rap\u2014but it can actually be helpful for staying energized and full throughout the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":265188,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[103,61,60,446],"class_list":{"0":"post-265187","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-ie","10":"tag-ireland","11":"tag-nutrition"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265187","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=265187"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265187\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/265188"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=265187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=265187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=265187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}