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Most Nutritious Snack Foods

Whether you are watching your weight or just trying to eat better, when you want a snack, you know it should be good for you. Fortunately, with a little guidance from the USDA Food Pyramid, you can find the most nutritious snack foods that are not only healthy, but tasty too.

  1. Cooked Chicken Breast

    • It is probably something that you don't think of as a snack food, but the protein in chicken is great for an afternoon pick-up when you feel your energy level crashing. If eating cooked chicken all by itself doesn't appeal to you, try cutting it up and mixing it with a little mayonnaise or low fat salad dressing. Add nuts, grapes, or raisins for a mini-chicken salad, or cheese and salsa to give it a little kick.

    Fruits And Vegetables

    • You know they are a big source for your daily recommended vitamin and mineral intake, but that doesn't make eating them any easier. Fortunately, grocery stores are making it super simple to get in all those fruits and vegetables you are suppose to be eating by pre-washing and cutting them up for you. Try broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with a little ranch salad dressing for a quick and easy snack, or eat apple and cantaloupe slices in place of a candy bar for a sweet treat.

    Whole-Grain Cereal

    • Since many whole-grain cereals now come with added fiber, try a single serve whole grain cereal as a late afternoon snack to help you finish out the day until you go home. Avoid adding the sugar and try raisins or bananas instead if you prefer your cereal a little sweet. An added bonus, you will get to count that banana as a daily fruit serving and don't forget, the calcium and vitamins in the milk meets the requirement for healthier eating too.

    Yogurt

    • With all the different types of yogurt available, you can now not only get some of the calcium you are needing through a single serving, but many yogurts contain acidophilus, which is a good bacteria that helps in digestion. If you are tired of regular yogurt, but don't find the whipped types of yogurt filling, try Greek yogurt for a slightly tart treat. The texture is very similar to regular yogurt, but just different enough to get your attention.

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