Sheryl Kraft, a freelance writer and breast cancer survivor, was born in Long Beach, New York. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband Alan and dog Chloe, where her nest is empty of her two sons Jonathan. Sheryl writes articles and essays on breast cancer and contributes to a variety of publications and websites where she writes on general health and wellness issues. She earned her MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College in 2005.
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Three square meals a day. That's what you're supposed to eat, right?
But sometimes girls just wanna snack. And if you're gonna snack, you might as well make the snack count toward keeping up your energy and good nutrition. So throw out those Cheetos and instead stock your pantry with these good-for-you snacks.
For when you're really in the mood for Cheetos …
The crunch and flavor might suggest they're bad for you, but these crispy, gluten-free snacks from Peatos are actually made from pea and lentil flour and pack more protein and fiber than those other not-so-good-for-you treats. They come in a variety of flavors, including ranch, cheese and chili cheese. Munch on that.
For when you want to include chickpeas in your diet, but the easy way …
They're chock-full of vitamins, minerals and fiber, but chickpeas are not always a handy snack. Sure, you can roast them yourself at home, or you can let The Good Bean do it for you. Eaten sweet (chocolate-covered) or savory (chili lime), they're a fun and delicious way to pop some chickpeas whenever the mood strikes.
For when you want to raise the bar …
Face it, it hasn't been the easiest year. Bring a little KINDness into your world with these convenient snacks from KIND, which come in low-sugar, high-protein and high-fiber options like Cashew & Ginger Spice, Thai Sweet Chili and Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt. They're not only convenient, but they're wholesome and real, qualities we all aspire to.
Read more: 10 Easy Ways to Up Your Protein Intake.
For when you want the egg to come before the chicken …
Don't wait out your hunger pangs until dinnertime. Instead, reach for a hard-boiled egg, which has just 75 calories and six grams of protein, a perfect portion-controlled snack. If you're hard-boiled egg challenged (don't you just hate when the peel won't come off?), here's a supposedly fool-proof way to cook them, courtesy of the Food Network Kitchen. Or, for convenience's sake, buy a bagful the next time you're in the supermarket.
For when you want granola, but not just any granola …
Try these from Cacao Vita. Made with coconut water and single-origin specialty coffee and cacao, they're flavorful and unique, with varieties like Pumpkin Mocha, Coconut Cashew, French Vanilla and Java Chip.
For when you want to snack vegan …
Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, asparagus and wild mushrooms are just some of the healthy veggies that morph into a crisp or puff from Vegan Rob's. The brand's philosophy—"Love yourself, our planet, and all living things"—makes this delicious and healthy snack all the more fun to eat. Even the vegan-doubters among us will declare themselves hooked.
Find out: What Are the Worst Foods to Eat?
For when you want more suggestions …
Take a look at these DIY snacks from Greatist that include the tried-and-trues, like trail mix, popcorn and more. You just might discover one or two that never occurred to you before (sweet potato smoothie, anyone?).
