20 Apr Healthy Swap Snack Ideas from NYC Certified Nutritionist: Snack Your Way to Your Weight Loss and Wellness Goals

It’s springtime, and it’s safe to say it’s been a long, long winter. Time to shrug off those winter coats (hopefully!) and get a little sunshine. While you’re swapping out your wardrobe, why not enjoy some spring cleaning in your fridge, freezer, and pantry?

Reaching weight loss and wellness goals depends on sustainable nutrition and diet plans. Many of our patients love to snack. But those pre-packaged shiny snacks oftentimes are packed with salt, sugars, and empty calories. It’s not only how much you eat, but the quality of your food that makes a big difference in your wellness.

We got together to talk about our favorite go-to, spring and summer snacks to curb those cravings. Indulge in these bite-sized, flavor-packed, healthy snack ideas, and work your way to a healthier diet.

1. Swap out potato chips for air-fried sweet potato fries. Take out your air fryer and dust it off. Cut up sweet potatoes in finger-sized wedges, and season with a little olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of nutmeg. Sweet potatoes have vitamins a, c, and manganese and pack a powerful nutrient punch.
2. Swap out potato chips for baked pita chips, kale chips, or spinach chips. Again, drizzled with olive oil and baked in the oven, these alternatives to the packaged potato chip pack a powerful, healthy punch.
3. Swap out ice cream for homemade fruit popsicles. Take some natural orange juice, cut up your favorite spring fruits and berries, and make popsicles. These tasty summer treats satisfy that sweet tooth. If you want, change it up, and instead of using orange juice, try Greek or plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey.
4. Swap out packaged, cheese-like substances for hummus. Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are a great source of protein and fiber. Instead of chips, try some baked veggie chips, sweet potato fries, or cut-up vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for dipping.
5. Feeling peckish? Swap out packaged potato chips for chickpeas and nuts. Roasted chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber. Nuts and seeds are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all great options. (Try unsalted nuts for heart health.)
6. Swap out salt for spices. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil … so many delicious spices can add flavor to your snacks and meals without piling on the salt. Salt is a great flavor masker, and by reducing sodium in your diet, you’ll get the chance to really taste the food.
7. Swap out sodas for water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Keep a jug of water in the fridge with sliced lemon, cucumber, and oranges. Make green tea and refrigerate it. Put on a timer to remind you to drink. Are you reading this? Stop. Go get a glass of water.

By making a few adjustments to your pantry and snacking, you’re taking great steps toward healthier, sustainable eating habits. As moms and working women, we understand how important it is to economize. Fortunately, all of these snack ideas are budget-friendly! Reach your weight loss and wellness goals without breaking the bank, one tasty bite at a time.