25 healthy snacks to combat hunger, recommended by a nutritionist

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People often confess to me how much they love snacks. As a nutritionist, I always say the same thing: snacks between meals are not only recommended, they can also be a healthy part of your diet.

But it depends on the snack! Although potato chips, pretzels, cookies or brownies are tasty treats, they don't offer much nutritional value. Healthy snacks can fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and provide missing fiber, vitamins, minerals and proteins. In addition, eating snacks ensures higher energy levels and prevents midday slumps. After all, food is fuel.

When choosing snacks, I always recommend combining proteins or healthy, unsaturated fats with carbohydrates rich in fiber. Protein, fat and fiber contribute to the feeling of satiety and ensure that you stay full between meals. A classic example is an apple for fiber-rich carbohydrates with peanut butter for protein and healthy fats. Luckily, this list contains more creative suggestions.

Here are my top 25 healthy snacks to satisfy your hunger.

Cottage cheese and blueberries

Savory cottage cheese goes perfectly with juicy and sweet berries. This combination is full of protein and fiber.

Avocado on whole wheat bread

Avocado toast is a healthy and filling snack when prepared correctly. The standard serving size for an avocado is one-third of the fruit. Mash it up, spread it on a piece of whole wheat bread and squeeze some fresh lime over it. Finally, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.

Peanut butter and banana

The combination of sweet banana with savory and rich peanut butter is one of my favorites. Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on a banana and enjoy a healthy snack packed with fiber and fat.

Greek yogurt with Nutella

Adding just a teaspoon of Nutella to plain Greek yogurt makes a slightly sweet, protein-packed snack that helped a nutritionist's client lose a ton of weight.

Olive with crackers

If you're craving something salty, grab a serving of olives (five to ten), which are full of healthy fats. Pair them with whole grain or seed crackers for extra fiber and protein.

Cheese spread and orange

You may be surprised to know that most mozzarella cheese sticks contain 8 grams of protein. Combined with a juicy orange, you get a snack full of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Pistachios and grapes

Pistachios contain 6 grams of protein per ounce. Eat them with antioxidant-rich grapes for a sweet and savory snack.

Red pepper slices and hummus

Hummus is almost always served with carrots or cucumbers. So why not add some variety and dip slices of red pepper into it? Red peppers are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, and hummus is a low-calorie, healthy fat that keeps you full.

Popcorn and almonds

Popcorn is a healthy whole grain snack that can be easily prepared at home in the microwave. Skip the packaged version and place 1/4 cup popcorn kernels in a paper bag, fold the bag over, and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and add a handful of almonds for crunch.

Simple bean salad

Beans, beans, they're good for the heart! And they contain protein and fiber, making them a must-eat healthy food. Combine the bean of your choice with some chopped pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Season with salt and in five minutes you will have a healthy and filling snack.

Baby burrito

If you're craving something a little more hearty as a snack, fill a small tortilla with black beans, top with a tablespoon of salsa and a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese, and you've got yourself a baby burrito. It tastes good cold, but if you prefer to eat it hot, microwave it for 30 seconds.

Microwaveable scrambled eggs

Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals and can be cooked in the microwave in two minutes. In a large cup or bowl, combine and stir together two eggs and two tablespoons of milk with your choice of toppings, such as chopped vegetables or cheese. Microwave in 30 second increments until eggs are set.

Loaded Instant Oatmeal

Unsweetened instant oatmeal contains fiber and protein and is ready in minutes. Prepare a bowl of instant oatmeal and top with milk or soy milk for protein, fresh fruit for fiber, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for healthy fats.

Ants on a tree trunk

You're never too old for ants on a tree trunk. This successful combination of crunchy celery, delicious peanut butter and sweet raisins is rich and filling.

Latte with low-fat milk or soy milk

If you're on the go and need a caffeine boost, opt for a latte macchiato with low-fat milk or soy milk. The caffeine is sure to give you a kick and the milk contains 8 grams of protein per 8 ounces.

Edamame

I always keep a bag of frozen edamame in my freezer for cooking and snacking. One cup of cooked edamame contains 18 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber for just over 200 calories. It's a powerful food that also tastes good.

Guacamole with carrots

Although traditionally served with chips, guacamole is a healthy, nutritious snack that goes well with vegetables. Dip some baby carrots into homemade guacamole for a quick and easy appetizer.

Muesli with yogurt

Muesli is the healthier version of muesli. Dried, roasted oats with fruit and nuts or seeds are ideal as a topping for protein-rich yogurt.

Roasted chickpeas

Whether you make them yourself or buy them at the store, crispy chickpeas are a healthier alternative to potato chips. They satisfy salt cravings and contain protein and fiber to keep you full.

Dates and almond butter

There's something so satisfying about sweet and chewy dates with rich, nutty almond butter. Just two of these bite-sized snacks are enough to nibble on.

Strawberries and ricotta cheese

Ricotta cheese has less fat than many other cheeses and contains a significant amount of protein. Use it as a dip for sweet strawberries.

Green smoothie with 3 ingredients

Green smoothie recipes don't have to be complicated. Mix half a banana, a handful of leafy greens, and half a cup of yogurt with water or milk and a handful of ice for a frozen lunch treat.

Cucumber slices with tzatziki dip

Tzatziki is the hearty Greek yogurt dip that goes perfectly with crunchy cucumber slices.

Peanuts and raisins

This is one of my top secret snacks. Combining a handful of unsalted roasted peanuts with a quarter cup of raisins tastes like a healthier version of PB&J. You can thank me later!

Protein bars

If you don't have time to chop vegetables or don't have fresh food in the house, reach for a protein bar, especially one made with nuts and seeds. I recommend bars with 10 or more grams of protein and less than 6 grams of added sugar. Some of my favorites include RX Bar, GoMacro, Perfect Bars, KIND Protein Bars and CLIF Builders.