10 Easy Healthy Snacks That Say Eff You to Hunger

A hunger that roars rudely between meals is THE WORST, especially when you are unprepared and without snack. If left too long, it can lead to hanger, an irrational angry hunger spiral that causes regretful food choices and emotional outbursts that leave innocent bystanders its wake.

But there is a cure. Stop hanger in its tracks by keeping these easy healthy snacks on hand at all times. Why are they good for you? First off, they are made from natural real food, not processed junk. They also keep your hunger and blood sugar levels even, which means your energy levels are more likely to stay high, your concentration will improve, and you’re unlikely to have the big hunger dips that put your body into junk food craving starvation mode. These snacks are also a great way to prevent the dreaded 3 pm slump.

The snacks I’m about to share with you will keep the hanger demons at bay. The best part is, they are super easy to make. They require no cooking and they are made from two or three ingredients that are likely to be in most kitchens. 

So get snacking! It’s really good for you. Here are my top 10 easy and natural snacks that say eff you to hanger.

1) Small Bowl of Nuts

I’m still shocked by how a small bowl of nuts can stave off hunger for hours. Nuts are very high in fat, so keep the portions small. A handful goes a very long way. I love almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts. Nuts are a hunger-busting power snack packed with healthy fats, protein and fibre. They’re easy to store at home in your pantry too, so you can easily keep them around for snacking emergencies.

2) Apple Slices and Almond Butter

This healthy snack is such a treat! The apples are so refreshing and crisp, and they contrast beautifully with the rich creamy almond butter. This combo works well to stave off hunger because apples are full of fibre and the almond butter is packed with protein and fat. Combining foods that have fibre, protein and fat together is a guaranteed effective hunger buster. This snack is also really good for you. Apples are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. They are great for gut health. Almond butter is high in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol.

3) Cucumber sticks and hummus

I love the savoury refreshing taste of cucumber! It’s not much of a hunger buster on its own, but pair it with hummus and you’ve got yourself a winner! Hummus is full of protein and fibre. Combine this with the fibre from the cucumber and you can wave goodbye to hunger. Hummus is also high in iron, folate and B vitamins, and it comes in so many delightful flavours. You can really have fun with this snack.

Slice half a cucumber into sticks or rounds and serve with a spoonful or two of hummus on the side for dipping.

4) Carrot slices with ranch dressing

I find carrots quite a filling snack on their own, probably because they are nutrient-dense and high in fibre. Why not spice up an already good thing with a delicious dressing? Ranch is my personal favourite for carrots, but play around and try different dressings. The fat in the dressing actually helps your body absorb the beta carotene in the carrots, so the dressing not only makes your taste buds happy, it enhances the health benefits of the carrots. 

Slice up a carrot into sticks and serve with a couple of tablespoons of ranch dressing (or try another dressing you love).

5) Edamame Beans

Edamame beans are such a pure, simple and utterly delicious snack! They are so delicious you don’t need any sauce or extras with these. Just the straight beans. Edamame beans are unripened soybeans packed with folate, iron, magnesium and manganese. They are also full of protein and fibre, which why they keep you feeling full. I buy them frozen at the supermarket so I can keep them on hand and grab them whenever I need a snack.

6) Spicy avocado on toast

Avocado has got to be one of the most delicious foods out there. Super creamy and so good for you! Avocados are high in fibre, good fats, magnesium and potassium. One of my favourite all-time snacks is half an avocado lightly smushed with a fork and spread on a piece of wholewheat toast. I sprinkle a little chilli powder and salt on top for a spicy flavourful snack that will keep hunger at bay for hours!

7) Yogurt, fruit and nut parfait

A yogurt, fruit and nut parfait sounds like a dessert, and honestly, it tastes like one without any of the guilt. Plain greek yogurt is a classic hunger buster that is full of protein and calcium. It’s also super for your gut health. The nuts have lots of healthy fats, fibre and nutrients. The fruit is full of fibre too. Hunger hasn’t got a chance. 

To make this parfait, grab a small glass and put a layer of plain greek yogurt in the bottom. Sprinkle a layer of nuts on top, like almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts or anything you fancy. Then put a layer of fruit on top of that. Berries, sliced apples, sliced pears or kiwi fruit are some ideas. Then repeat those layers one more time. Voila! You’ve got yourself a lovely parfait that will keep the hunger at bay.

8) Granola and yogurt

This one is a quick and easy variation on the parfait above if you’re short on time. All you need is a bowl of plain greek yogurt and a handful of homemade granola or low sugar store-bought granola on top. So simple and so delicious.

9) Easy Devilled Eggs

I’m a very big fan of devilled eggs. My grandma would make them, and I would eat them obsessively when I went to her house. Turns out they’re actually a pretty great snack too. This is a bit of spin on the plain boiled egg, which is also an incredible snack. Eggs are probably the most powerful way of satiating hunger that I’ve ever come across, and they’re very good for you too. They are an excellent source of protein, vitamin selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. 

These easy devilled eggs require a bit of prep, but I think they’re worth it because they are so darn delicious. They last about 2 days in the fridge. Here is how you do it:

1. Hardboil 12 eggs
2. Peel the shells off the eggs and cut in half lengthwise
3. Remove the yolks and put in a bowl. Place the whites on a plate or in whatever container you will store them in.
4. Add ¼ cup of mayonnaise to the bowl with the yolks
5. Add 2 tsp of dijon mustard to the yolks
6. Add ¼ tsp of salt to the yolks
7. Add ¼ tsp of pepper to the yolks
8. Mash the yolks and all of the added ingredients together until creamy
9. Spoon into the whites of the eggs you set aside
10. Sprinkle lightly with paprika on top for an authentic touch

Enjoy!

10) Banana + Peanut Butter

I thought I would end with another super easy and delicious classic that is so good for you. Bananas are rich in fibre and natural sugars. Combined with the protein and healthy fats in the peanut butter, you won’t be feeling hangry any time soon. There’s no right way to prepare this snack. Sometimes I slice a banana lengthwise and spread peanut butter along the flat side. Sometimes I spread a little peanut butter on the banana as I take bites. Sometimes I put a swipe of peanut butter between two slices of banana, making a little bite-sized sandwich. It just depends on how I’m feeling. You could also mix up the nut butters for variety. Try almond, cashew or hazelnut butters.