Instructions

1. Stock your refrigerator and pantry. When you're standing in the kitchen with a rumbling stomach, you'll reach for whatever is available. So, make sure your larder is filled with healthy snack staples such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat string cheese and yogurt, whole-grain crackers, cereal, dried fruit, seeds, nuts, nut butter and popcorn.

2. Pack snacks-on-the-go. Mix together almonds, dried fruit and sunflower seeds in a sealable plastic bag or container. If you have a sweet tooth, add a handful of semi- or bittersweet chocolate chips, which have some antioxidants from the cocoa. Keep the bag in your briefcase or purse for a quick snack when your energy levels start to fade. Other easy portable snacks include whole-grain crackers or apple slices with nut butter.

3. Incorporate carbs and protein in every snack. Carbohydrates provide energy more quickly while protein provides sustained energy and helps keep you feeling full. Layer sliced cucumbers and low-fat cream cheese between two slices of whole-grain toast or top whole-grain crackers with sliced hard boiled egg and avocado.

4. Expand your horizons. Eating the same thing over and over again can get boring. Make a trip through the produce section at the grocery store and pick up a few new ingredients. Bake kale leaves with a little olive oil for a quick and healthy alternative to chips or steam edamame pods for an afternoon snack.

5. Make a drink. Smoothies are a simple way to pack a lot of nutrients into a glass. Blend low-fat yogurt with fruit including strawberries, bananas, blueberries, peaches and apricots. Consider throwing in an unusual ingredient such as fresh spinach, avocado or peanut butter.