Preparing healthy snacks for adults

Americans now get 23% of their daily calories from snacks, and more than 90% of adult Americans report eating one or two snacks a day.

Snacks are often easy to consume and low in nutrients, but they don’t have to be unhealthy.

“If you eat a high-concentration dessert and think it’s a good snack. Before you know it, you’re feeling hungry again, says Roniece Weaver, registered dietitian and Director of Agency Operations at Hebni Nutrition Consultants.

Weaver recommends that all snacks include items high in protein and vitamins A, C, and D.

“You definitely want to add a protein, you definitely want a carbohydrate, and the carbohydrate can be your fruit, it can be dried fruit, but you want to make sure it’s not a concentrated dessert,” Weaver explained.

So how can you make sure you’re snacking healthily? By preparing in advance.

“You take the time and effort to make sure you’re conscious of what’s going on your plate,” Weaver said.

A quick snack you can prepare ahead of time? Try making protein balls with two tablespoons of nut butter of your choice, one tablespoon of agave syrup, one and a half tablespoons of cocoa powder, and some coconut.

You can also eat yogurt with granola or an apple with a handful of nuts.

“If you hold your hand like this, that’s a single serving. If it falls out of your hand, it’s not yours,” Weaver explained.

If you don’t have time to make snack boxes, some food companies do it for you. hungryroot.com, developmentmarket.com and Daily Harvest will send you healthy, pre-made snacks.