Snacks are some of the easiest things to splurge on when trying to eat healthy. But our friends at Self [1] give us 21 healthy snacks that are approved by fitness experts.
Food doesn't have to just be fuel. Power your workout or recovery with these delicious snacks.
Chickpea Blondies
"I love these chickpea blondies [2] because they sneak in tons of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Plus, they are naturally sweetened with dates."
—Lottie Bildirici, health and fitness blogger of Run on Veg [3], triathlete, and certified holistic health coach
courtesy Lottie Bildirici
Coconut Yogurt with Berries and Cacao Nibs
"This nondairy coconut yogurt from Anita's is my favorite. (It's hard to find one that isn't flavored or loaded with sugar.) Break up the tart flavor with a sprinkle of crunchy cacao nibs and fresh berries. This is the way healthy version of the old-school yogurts with toppers attached on top we grew up on!"
—Lisa Hayim [4], RD, MS sports nutrition, and Pilates mat certified instructor
courtesy Lisa Hayim
Avocado Toast With Tomatoes and Sea Salt, Green Tea
"Great for post-workout. I like the healthy fats and satiation provided from the avocado toast along with the energy and metabolism boost from the tea. The sprinkle of sea salt helps to replenish what might have been lost in sweat."
—JJ Hendershot, senior active director of VIMMIA's The Force Ambassadors [5] and senior manager at Equinox [6]
courtesy of JJ Hendershot
Dates and Green Power Smoothie
"I mix in dates, spinach, a few pieces of pineapple, half a banana, almond milk, almond butter, and whey vanilla protein. Poof! Deliciousness! I'll do that in between teaching several classes, typically between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and dinner."
—Cristina Osorio, TruFusion [7] fitness instructor
courtesy iStock
Almond Butter Packets
"Barney & Co. almond butter packets for life! Perfect 90-calorie single-serving pre-workout for a 45-minute session. I run with these tucked into my gear all the time, or pair with an apple for a more filling snack."
—Robin Arzon, head coach, Peloton Cycle [8]
courtesy Robin Arzon
Plain Oatmeal With Berries
"This snack gives me energy, is easy to digest, and contains no dairy. Have it about 30 to 45 minutes before a workout."
—Chris Varano, Hilton Head Health [9] fitness specialist
courtesy Hilton Head Health
Pumpkin Smoothie
"A quick pumpkin smoothie post-workout with pumpkin puree, almond milk, ice, and flaxseeds makes for a fantastic Fall treat! It's filled with filling fiber and protein."
—Megan Smyth, founder of FitReserve [10]
courtesy Megan Smyth
Protein Pancakes
"I love to eat one or two protein pancakes smeared with a little almond or peanut butter after a workout. With carbs, protein, and healthy fat, it's the perfect way to recover."
—Jennipher Walters, CEO/cofounder, Fit Bottomed Girls [11]
courtesy Fit Bottomed Girls
Mini Egg and Cheese Quinoa Cups
"I make a large batch of these [12] in the beginning of my week to bring to work. Not only are these packed with flavor, they have six grams of protein per serving. Reheat in the microwave for about 45 seconds; they're great for post-workout recovery!"
—Karla Williams, Hilton Head Health [13] Healthy Kitchen executive chef and AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America) Group Fitness certified
courtesy of Hilton Head Health
Protein Parfait Bowl
"I mix fat-free Greek yogurt with berries, nuts, hemp seeds, and a drizzle of raw honey, and I am full for hours. I love this after strength-based workouts because the protein from the yogurt, nuts, and hemp seeds is great for muscle recovery."
—Stacy Schwartz, cofounder and CEO, Ketanga Fitness Retreats [14]
courtesy of Stacy Schwartz
Banana + Peanut Butter
"This snack provides you with a great balance of carbs and protein, which gives you the energy you need and helps you build (or rebuild) muscle tissue."
—Mahri Relin, personal trainer and owner of Body Conceptions by Mahri [15]
courtesy of Mahri Relin
So Delicious Dairy Free Blueberry Cultured Coconut Milk
"Made with organic coconuts, this always hits the spot because it's tasty and refreshing. It contains high-antioxidant blueberries, which are the perfect remedy after a hard workout, along with six active cultures for better digestion."
—John Pierre [16], author and celebrity nutrition and fitness consultant
courtesy John Pierre
Muesli Medley
"I love muesli soaked in almond milk with chia seeds, cinnamon, and berries. They're easy on your digestive system. If I have a longer workout, I'll add some nuts or nut butter to slow down the absorption of carbs, and giving lasting."
—Lottie Bildirici, health and fitness blogger of Run on Veg [17], triathlete, and certified holistic health coach
courtesy Lottie Bildirici
Homemade Seed Loaf With Sun-Dried and Fresh Tomatoes
"You can literally taste the healthy in this recipe [18], with your favorite seeds boosting its fiber content (throw in pumpkin, chia, or sunflower; whatever you like best)."
—Cat Smiley, founder of Whistler Fitness Vacations [19]
courtesy of Cat Smiley
Berries + Nut + Seeds + Dollop of Greek Yogurt
"I love that I can prepare and enjoy this at my desk. This is definitely my colleagues' preferred snack of choice for the office — my regular hard-boiled eggs don't go over so well!"
—Tess Agnew, fitness blogger of FitBits [20]
courtesy Tess Agnew
Apple and Peanut Butter
"It's a great anytime snack, as it can tide you over post-workout until you dine later, but it can also satisfy a sweet and/or salty craving that kicks in."
—Chidimma Ozor, TruFusion [21] AromaFlow instructor
courtesy of Hilton Head Health
Veggie Smoothie
"Blend frozen cauliflower and butternut squash with three strawberries, a scoop of plant-based protein powder, and water. It's my go-to when I crave something sweet, but don't want to load up on sugar or too many starches. It does the job every time!"
—Ariane Hundt, clinical nutritionist, MS, and founder of Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp [22]
courtesy Ariane Hundt
Fried Egg With Spinach, Tomato, and Balsamic
"You can't beat something that's this quick and easy to make; plus the egg provides proteins, while the tomatoes and spinach provide antioxidants."
—Aimee Nicotera, MS, instructor at Pinecrest Fitness [23] and Equinox [24]
courtesy of Aimee Nicotera
Berry Applesauce
"It's a fun twist [25] on a Fall classic that I love for a middle-of-the-afternoon pick-me-up."
—Candace Moore, yoga instructor and founder of healthy living blog YogaByCandace [26]
courtesy Candace Moore
Anything Goes Smoothie
"I always try to have a bit of protein before and after workouts to help with energy and recovery. Smoothies are just so easy to make, and I love to throw whatever fruits I have on hand. Vanilla protein powder complements lemon juice and berries perfectly, so that's my standard combo."
—Jenny Kim, TruFusion [27] Barre & Pilates instructor
courtesy Jenny Kim
Carrots, Hummus, Crackers, and Almonds
"I like the combo of creamy and crunchy textures in this balanced snack. If I have a sweet tooth, I'll throw in some dark chocolate."
—Jennilyn Carson, founder of YogaDork [28] and Cycledork [29]
Check out more great stories from Self:
- 4 Time-Saving Food Prep Hacks [30]
- 8 Easy Ways to Get More Flexible [31]
- Here Are 2 Crazy-Effective Pilates Moves For Strong Triceps [32]