5 Healthy Snacks to Enjoy Between Chef-Prepared Meals

The vibrant colors that erupt in the spring and ripen in summer’s warmth are some of the most wholesome and nutritious foods—and they can be perfect if you’re craving a little something healthy on which to nibble.

Here are five healthy snacks that you can prepare in-between your meals.

1. Hummus

Hummus is a fantastic and nutritionally sound snack. The tasty and popular dip/spread originates in Southwest Asia and is made from taking chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), cooking then mashing them, and blending them with lemon juice, tahini, and garlic. You can spread it on a multigrain bread as a little protein boost or use it as a dip. If you opt to use it as a dip, definitely try it with sliced carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, radishes, or other crunchy vegetables.

2. Oatmeal

It isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Oatmeal provides the perfect base for trying new combinations and mixtures. A popular combination is oatmeal with a tablespoon of peanut butter, a few dashes of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. It’s also possible to slice a banana on top for a potassium boost. Another colorful idea includes a selection of mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, with a specially added protein, such as chia, almond, or flaxseed.

3. Guacamole

Avocados can provide heart-healthy and skin-revitalizing fats as part of a balanced diet. Guacamole is a whole food that’s a mixture of mashed avocados, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic. Some variations include chopped onions or tomatoes and provide an additional tasty component to this unique fruit. Some like to use tortilla chips to scoop and munch the dip, while others prefer dipping freshly cut vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers.

4. Apples

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, instead of the traditional apple all alone, let’s doctor it up a bit for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon treat before the next prepared meal. Slice your apple and cut it into bite-sized pieces, and put them in a bowl with a heart-healthy nut, such as 10 to 15 almonds. Drizzle about a teaspoon of honey on top and then tap a bit of cinnamon powder on top. The crunchy, crisp sweetness can help satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

5. Edamame

Edamame may be a new one for you, but this healthy legume goes back centuries in many Asian cultures. Edamame, also called a soybean, is a great treat if you want something warm and satisfying. Just heat up the pods and then sprinkle a little salt on top of them. Relax and enjoy!

Trying new foods at all stages of life can make a culinary experience more exciting. In-between chef-prepared meals at BridgeWater Assisted Living, you can try any of the above healthy snacks for a little something new.