When it comes to heart-healthy snacks, making the right choices can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty and guilt-free options that are packed with nutrients to support your heart. These snacks are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, using ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
Contents
- 1 Apple Slices with Almond Butter
- 2 Greek Yogurt with Berries and Chia Seeds
- 3 Avocado Toast with Whole Grain Bread
- 4 Hummus and Veggie Sticks
- 5 Oatmeal Energy Balls
- 6 Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
- 7 Walnuts and Dried Cranberries
- 8 Popcorn with Olive Oil
- 9 Banana with Peanut Butter
- 10 Edamame with Sea Salt
- 11 Baked Sweet Potato Chips
- 12 Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
- 13 Carrot Sticks with Guacamole
- 14 Chia Pudding with Fresh Fruit
- 15 Roasted Chickpeas
- 16 More From RetailShout
- 17 14 Healthier Alternatives to Your Kids’ Favorite Foods
- 18 17 Retro ’60s Desserts You’ll Want to Bake Again
Apple Slices with Almond Butter
For a satisfying snack, slice up a crisp apple and pair it with almond butter for a heart-healthy boost. Almonds are packed with monounsaturated fats, which support heart health, while apples provide a good dose of fiber. Simply cut your apple into thin wedges, spread a tablespoon of almond butter on each slice, and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. This snack is perfect for curbing sweet cravings while keeping your heart in check. It’s easy, delicious, and requires no cooking!
Greek Yogurt with Berries and Chia Seeds
For a creamy and fruity treat, mix a cup of plain Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh berries and a tablespoon of chia seeds. Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in fat, making it ideal for heart health, while berries are full of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. Chia seeds add a dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote cardiovascular well-being. Stir everything together, drizzle a little honey for sweetness if desired, and enjoy this refreshing snack anytime.
Avocado Toast with Whole Grain Bread
Start with a slice of whole grain bread, which provides fiber and helps manage cholesterol levels, and top it with mashed avocado. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Mash half an avocado with a pinch of salt and pepper, then spread it evenly on the toasted bread. For an extra nutritional boost, sprinkle some sunflower seeds or drizzle olive oil on top. This simple snack is perfect for a midday pick-me-up that supports your heart.
Hummus and Veggie Sticks
Hummus is a protein-packed snack that’s also full of fiber and heart-healthy fats. To enjoy it, pair a few tablespoons of hummus with raw veggie sticks like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, contain fiber that helps lower cholesterol, while the vegetables add a variety of vitamins and minerals to the mix. Simply chop up your veggies, dip them in the hummus, and enjoy this crunchy, heart-healthy snack.
Oatmeal Energy Balls
Combine 1 cup of oats, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey, and a handful of dark chocolate chips to make oatmeal energy balls that are perfect for a heart-healthy snack. Oats are known for lowering bad cholesterol, and peanut butter adds healthy fats that support cardiovascular health. Simply mix all the ingredients together, roll them into bite-sized balls, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. These energy balls are great to take on the go and provide long-lasting energy without compromising heart health.
Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
For a sweet and savory option, mix a half-cup of low-fat cottage cheese with a few pineapple chunks. Cottage cheese is low in fat and high in protein, which makes it a great heart-healthy snack. Pineapple adds a touch of sweetness while providing vitamins and fiber. Simply combine the ingredients, sprinkle a little cinnamon or flaxseeds on top, and you’ve got a light and refreshing snack that supports heart health and keeps you full.
Walnuts and Dried Cranberries
A simple handful of walnuts and dried cranberries makes for an easy heart-healthy snack. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote cardiovascular health, while dried cranberries add a tart sweetness along with antioxidants. To prepare, simply mix a quarter-cup of walnuts with a quarter-cup of unsweetened dried cranberries. This snack is perfect for when you need something quick and portable that won’t compromise your heart health.
Popcorn with Olive Oil
For a heart-healthy twist on a classic snack, air-pop some popcorn and drizzle it with olive oil. Popcorn is a whole grain that provides fiber, helping reduce cholesterol levels, and olive oil adds a dose of healthy fats that are great for the heart. Simply pop 3 cups of popcorn, drizzle a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt or your favorite spices. It’s a light, crunchy snack you can enjoy guilt-free while watching your favorite movie.
Banana with Peanut Butter
For a snack that’s both filling and heart-friendly, spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on a sliced banana. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, while peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Simply slice the banana, spread the peanut butter evenly over each piece, and sprinkle with chia seeds for added fiber. This quick and easy snack keeps you satisfied while supporting your heart health.
Edamame with Sea Salt
Edamame is a protein-packed snack that’s great for your heart. Steam a cup of shelled edamame, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, and enjoy. Edamame contains fiber and healthy fats that can lower cholesterol, while sea salt adds flavor without excess sodium. This snack is not only heart-friendly but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy days when you need a nutritious bite.
Baked Sweet Potato Chips
For a crunchy and satisfying snack, make baked sweet potato chips. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and potassium, which are essential for heart health. Thinly slice a sweet potato, toss with olive oil, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt or your favorite herbs for extra flavor. These homemade chips are a great alternative to store-bought snacks and are much better for your heart.
Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
For a sweet treat that’s good for your heart, make dark chocolate almond bark. Melt a cup of dark chocolate, which is high in antioxidants, and stir in a half-cup of heart-healthy almonds. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until firm. Break into pieces and enjoy a small serving as a guilt-free dessert. This snack is perfect when you need something sweet but want to keep your heart health in mind.
Carrot Sticks with Guacamole
Pairing crunchy carrot sticks with homemade guacamole makes for a nutritious and delicious heart-healthy snack. Carrots are rich in vitamins and fiber, while guacamole provides healthy fats from avocados. To make the guacamole, mash one ripe avocado with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Serve with a side of carrot sticks for dipping, and you’ve got a snack that’s both satisfying and great for your heart.
Chia Pudding with Fresh Fruit
Make a heart-healthy chia pudding by mixing 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1/2 cup of almond milk. Let it sit in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Top with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for added flavor and antioxidants. Chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making this snack a great choice for your heart.
Roasted Chickpeas
For a crunchy and savory snack, try roasted chickpeas. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices like paprika or garlic powder. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy. Chickpeas are high in fiber and protein, both of which are great for heart health. This snack is not only delicious but also easy to make in big batches for the week.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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