Planning to dash to a healthier diet this new year? Well, you’re not alone. In the last few years, eating more nutritious food has always been included in the new year’s resolutions of many. The thing is, not everyone stays on track when it comes to following a healthy diet.
One thing that could be slowing you down in achieving your goal has something to do with taste. It’s not often that you will find the words “healthy” and “delicious” in the same sentence. But we assure you, healthy foods can taste amazing! They might not have all the sugar, salt, and fat that make junk foods addictive, but nutritious foods can be satisfying if you know how to prepare them.
This list of healthy foods that are also delicious can cater to any craving that you may have. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, warm, or crunchy, you’ll find new favorites from these healthy snacks.
15. Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a creamy and nutrient-dense breakfast or snack option that can be unsweetened or sweetened very lightly. The main ingredient in this snack is, of course, the chia seeds, which are high in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
A basic chia pudding would only need two ingredients: the chia seeds and your milk of choice. All you have to do is combine the two, mix well, refrigerate, and enjoy after at least three hours.
Estimated Nutritional Info (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 152 cal
- Fat – 10 g
- Protein – 5 g
- Fiber – 11 g
14. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky can be a great choice if you’re looking for a snack that’s portable and packed with protein. As long as it’s made with high-quality ingredients and simple techniques, you’re looking at a healthy and delicious on-the-go snack. Beef jerky also gets praise for being a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, vitamins A and C, and folate.
While you can make your own jerky, there are also store-bought ones that would satisfy your salty cravings. Just make sure you pick the ones that are low in sodium and sugar and minimally processed.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 82 cal
- Fat – 5 g
- Protein – 7 g
- Fiber – 0.1 g
13. Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls are a classic favorite in Asian cuisine because of their refreshing taste and satisfying crunch. The veggies stuffed inside will be your source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. If you’re worried about the rice paper that wraps all these veggies together, don’t be. Because they’re low in fat and calories, and never fried. And let’s not forget about the sweet peanut sauce. It gives a nice contrast to the light and fresh flavors of spring rolls!
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 70 – 179 cal
- Fat – 2 g
- Protein – 7 g
- Fiber – 0.7 – 3 g
12. Baked Kale Chips
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that has a slightly bitter flavor. To make it palatable, we suggest that you try baked kale chips. The veggie will then transform into a crunchy, satisfying snack while retaining its high amounts of fiber, vitamins A, K, and C, and antioxidants. If you’re looking for a crunchy alternative to potato chips, this is it!
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 28 cal
- Fat – 2 g
- Protein – 0.7 g
- Fiber – 3g
11. Cottage Cheese with Fruit
The combination of cottage cheese and fruit gives you a snack with balanced amounts of protein and fiber, not to mention delicious sweet and savory flavors! The protein component from cottage cheese will leave you feeling full much longer, helping you avoid overeating. The cheese can be paired with almost any fruit, but best with pineapples, pears, or peaches.
Nutritional Info (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 120 cal
- Fat – 1 g
- Protein – 12 g
- Fiber – 1 g
10. Hard-boiled Eggs
For a high-protein snack that will truly fill you up, you can never go wrong with hard-boiled eggs! What we love about this healthy food item is its portability. You can prepare it ahead of time (fuss-free!) and take it with you at work or on a road trip. They don’t have much of a taste, and you can add in a dusting of salt if you want something a bit savory. The mild taste acts like a canvas for many flavor possibilities.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 78 cal
- Fat – 5 g
- Protein – 6 g
9. Crackers with Canned Fish
Another healthy source of protein is canned fish, particularly sardines. But would you eat it on its own? Some would, but to make it more appealing, a lot of people swear by eating it with crackers. Preparing this healthy snack is super easy. Just spread the sardines on the crackers and you’re done! You can also add other healthy ingredients like cucumbers or Greek yogurt.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 150 cal
- Fat – 9 g
- Protein – 12 g
- Fiber – 3.5 g
8. Tomato Soup
Try the antioxidant-rich tomato soup if you’re looking for something hearty and warm this winter season. The savory soup is also beneficial for heart health, thanks to its lycopene component that scavenges those free radicals in the body and prevents cell damage. Be wary of store-bought tomato soups, though, because some of them are high in sodium and sugar. As much as possible, use fresh tomatoes when making this snack.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 170 cal
- Fat – 1 g
- Protein – 4 g
- Fiber – 3 g
7. Almonds
Now, here’s a healthy snack that won’t require any prep: almonds! It’s among the most popular tree nuts in the world and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it in your favorite retail store. Almonds have a subtle buttery flavor, giving you the jumpstart that you need any time of the day. You can enjoy it as is or as part of a mix, and watch your body benefit from vitamin E, calcium, fiber, protein, and more—all from almonds.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 165 cal
- Fat – 14 g (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats)
- Protein – 6 g
- Fiber – 4 g
RELATED: 10 Junk Foods to Avoid When Trying to Lose Weight
6. Popcorn
It turns out the food that we always eat when having movie marathons is healthy. Popcorn, after all, is a whole grain food that’s high in important nutrients. These include fiber and antioxidants called polyphenols that help with digestion and blood sugar issues. Preparation matters, though. Air-popping your popcorn is the best way to prepare it, helping you avoid added oil.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 30 – 93 cal
- Fat – 1 g
- Protein – 3 g
- Fiber – 4 g
5. Cucumber Slices with Hummus
Cucumbers are low in calories and do a good job in hydrating your body. And because it tastes close to nothing, it’s also a great pair to almost anything. But in this list, we’re not just choosing anything. We’re adding another healthy ingredient, and that’s hummus. Adding this would bump up the entire snack’s protein and fiber components. It will also add a savory and slightly beany taste to your cucumbers.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 118 cal
- Fat – 6 g
- Protein – 6 g
- Fiber – 6 g
RELATED: Holiday Snacks Are Here: Say Hello to New Pop-Tarts and RXBAR Delights
4. Greek Yogurt with Berries
In case you don’t know yet, Greek yogurt is a low-calorie snack and an excellent source of protein. It’s also high in calcium which helps build healthy bones, as well as probiotics that improve digestive health. But why stop with these benefits when you can get more? That’s possible if you eat your Greek yogurt with berries, which are high in antioxidants. According to John Hopkins Medicine, black raspberries are considered the healthiest for having high antioxidant and fiber components, and low natural sugar.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 95 cal
- Fat – 0.3 g
- Protein – 10 g
- Fiber – 3 g
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and they also rank low in the glycemic index. Which means they have little effect on one’s blood sugar level. Also, when roasted, chickpeas become irresistible, flavor-wise! The roasting process enhances their natural flavor and makes them satisfyingly crispy. Depending on your taste, you can add different spices like cayenne, cumin, or paprika.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 119 cal
- Fat – 4 g
- Protein – 5.3 g
- Fiber – 3.2 g
RELATED: Lavender in Your Cup? Starbucks Brings a Floral Spin to Coffee
2. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Combine those juicy apple slices with slightly sweet peanut butter and you’ll get a snack that both kids and kids-at-heart will love! This healthy and delicious snack creates a good mix of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Some health buffs choose this snack to get an extra energy boost before their workout.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 159 cal
- Fat – 6 g
- Protein – 3 g
- Fiber – 5 g
1. Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Ham and cheese are a classic pairing, so there’s no doubt about its existence on a list that talks about all things delicious. But is it healthy? Yes, as long as these roll ups are made without bread. Think of them like keto-friendly ham and cheese roll ups. No cooking needed; all you have to do is cut, spread, and roll. The ham component will be your source of protein, and if you’re using Swiss cheese, you can get added vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc, and phosphorus.
Estimated Nutritional Values (subject to change depending on the ingredients and serving size):
- Calories – 190 cal
- Fat – 14 g
- Protein – 13 g
- Fiber – 0.4 g
RELATED: 12 Foods Labeled as Healthy, But Are Not
From The Club
Gone are the days when you needed to forgo flavor to eat healthily. All the items here prove that nutritious food can be delicious, and you don’t even need that much time and energy to prepare them. Many of these are flexible food items, allowing you to experiment on your own and build that flavor profile that will satisfy you. Having ham and cheese roll ups on top of the list is also pretty timely, what with all the holiday leftovers that you might have. Put them into use and make something healthy for snacks!
