Mediterranean diet: 5 go-to healthy snacks, according to dietitian – Insider

Kirsten Jackson, a registered dietitian, previously told Insider that she followed the Mediterranean diet, sharing her favorite breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the eating plan.

When snacking, Jackson aims to eat whole foods that provide protein and fiber, often incorporating fruit or vegetables.

Here, she tells Insider about her go-to snacks.

Roasted chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a good alternative to chips, Jackson said.

They are a great source of protein and fiber, she said, and are easy to make: Simply drain canned chickpeas, pour them into a baking tray, drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and spices. Then bake until crisp.

Homemade trail mix

Jackson makes her own trail mix by combining dark chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Dark chocolate has multiple benefits, including boosting heart health.

Apple slices with peanut butter

Apple slices with peanut butter are a satiating snack thanks to a combination of fiber, fat, and protein.

Having nuts or nut butter alongside fruit is much more filling than fruit alone, a dietitian previously told Insider.

Vegetable sticks with hummus

If you don’t have time to chop carrots, peppers, cucumber, or celery, Jackson recommends buying precut vegetables.

Combining veggies with hummus makes the snack more filling than vegetables alone.

Oatcakes with peanut butter

Jackson also snacks on oatcakes with peanut butter. She aims to always eat complex carbohydrates — such as oats, sweet potatoes, brown bread, and whole-grain pasta — because they contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than refined carbs including white bread, potatoes, and pasta.

If you’re craving cookies, Jackson recommends looking out for chocolate oatcakes to help satisfy your sweet tooth too.

Source: insider.com