The Best Snack Options

Before building your snack, consider carbohydrates and proteins as foundational structures.

Carbohydrates and proteins are essential components to snacks. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, create glucose, which energizes the body. Protein adds certain amino acids to the body to help it function properly. It also sustains energy levels — a must for any go-to snack. Meats, cheeses and other milk products are the basic protein building blocks.

Design colorful snack options with few ingredients by combining food categories. Take your carbohydrate or protein base and add a healthy fat, such as avocado or peanut butter. For example, take a slice of whole-grain toast and spread half of a mashed avocado onto it. The carbohydrate adds the energy fuel, while the monounsaturated fat in the avocado lowers cholesterol levels.

The winning combination creates a substantial snack to keep you steady until your next meal.

Other healthy snack combinations include:

• 1 cup of cottage cheese topped with pineapple chunks
• 1 cup of Greek yogurt topped with a sliced banana and almonds
• 1 handful of carrots and bell peppers (red, orange and yellow) and one small container of hummus for dipping

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