Fight Hanger With 22 Snacks to Keep You Fuller Longer
We’ve all had those moments, right around mid-afternoon, when the hangries start creeping in. It starts as a slow rumble, maybe some irritability, but if it’s not managed soon you could be looking at a full-on hungry rage. So how do you avoid reaching for a candy bar or sugary latte pick-me-up? With protein-rich, good-fats-filled, fiber-heavy snacks, of course! We’ve got 22 healthy snacks that are proven to keep you fuller for longer, from leafy greens to creamy avocado to powerhouse seeds. These snacks are chock-full of foods that are known to help you avoid hunger at least until your next meal. Whether you eat these mid-morning or late afternoon, we promise they’ll help you keep the hangries, and the extra pounds, far, far away.
1. Kale Caesar Nori Wrap: Make a batch of these amazing vegan, raw and paleo snacks for some guilt-free indulgence when you need it most. (via Nutrition Stripped)
2. Berry Kale Almond Butter Smoothie: You won’t even taste the greens in this sweet smoothie, which gets an additional protein kick thanks to Greek yogurt and almond butter. (via Love. Bake. Read)
3. Kale Greek Yogurt Dip: Sometimes you get a serious craving for chips and dip. But if you can resist, go for this Greek yogurt dip with some veggie sticks instead. You’ll stay fuller for longer and feel better about it. (via Recipe Runner)
4. Sea Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips: Speaking of ditching the chips, these crunchy kale chips are just as good, if not better, than the potato products in the aluminum bag. And they have Parm… YUM. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
Cayenne
5. Rosemary Cayenne Granola Bars: The sweet-spicy flavor combo in these bars already makes them pretty addicting. But add in a ton of toasted crunchy nuts and some honey for sweetness and we’re pretty sure you’ll have found your new favorite on-the-go snack. (via Chase the Flavors)
6. Spiced Pecans: Nuts are rich in fats. The good kind. These cayenne-spiced pecans will keep you full while helping to support weight loss and detoxify the body. (via A Family Feast)
Avocados
7. Avocado Toast: What’s your favorite way to top it? They’ve got not one, but FIVE gourmet ways to update this breakfast fave. (via Bon Appétit)
8. Classic Guacamole: The key to this delicious guac is in its simplicity. A dash of lime juice, some onion and a bit of kick from hot peppers will make this protein-rich treat go down quick. (via Food52)
9. Green Machine Smoothie: Don’t let the lime green color fool you. This antioxidant-rich drink is the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up thanks to pineapple, coconut water, banana and creamy avocado. (via Beyond Sweet and Savory)
Oats
10. Mexican Chocolate Zoats: A mix of oats, zucchini and egg whites in the morning may sound strange, but trust us when we say the addition of chocolate and plenty of cinnamon will quickly make you a lover of this new breakfast food. (via Nutrition Stripped)
11. Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola: Top yogurt or your favorite milk with this hearty granola for a mid-morning snack that’s got just enough sweetness to keep you going strong. (via Averie Cooks)
12. Chocolate Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies: Who wouldn’t want to snack on cookies in the middle of the day? Thanks to long-lasting protein and complex carbs, these won’t leave you crashing mere minutes later. (via It Bakes Me Happy)
Pears
13. Ginger Pear Butter: Drizzle this easy slow-cooked recipe over oatmeal, yogurt or toast with peanut butter. Even better, keep a small jar of the stuff at work for when you need a fruity boost. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
14. Double Chocolate Pear Scones: Okay, these treats are definitely more on the indulgent side. But with plenty of fiber and antioxidants, can you really blame us for stuffing some in our bags for the long day ahead? (via My Second Breakfast)
15. Pear Muffins: These tasty little morsels already get plenty of natural fiber from the pear, but you could totally up the fullness factor with a handful of chopped walnuts in the batter. (via The HedgeCombers)
16. Pear and Persimmon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake: This make-ahead breakfast bake tastes like dessert. And we totally won’t judge if you partake in a second helping when you get home from the office. (via The Foodie Dietitian)
Chia Seeds
17. Raspberry Almond Chia Smoothie: A pretty-in-pink snack is just what you need to come home to after a hard day’s work. (Delightful E Made)
18. Coconut, Pomegranate and Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding: Coconut milk–soaked chia seeds make the base for this tasty dessert. End your night with an individual cup to fight off your sugar cravings and stay full until breakfast the next day. (via Natural Chow)
19. Ancient Fig and Date Bar: These crunchy granola bars are made with a hearty multigrain cereal that’s packed with whole grains and chia seeds, giving you a healthy punch of protein. (via Gather and Dine)
20. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Bites: Think of these little balls as mini Lara bars in bite-sized form. Toss a few in your purse to have a snack ready for whenever you feel peckish. (via Drool Worthy)
Chickpeas
21. Power Green Hummus: The bright color of this vibrant and fresh tasting hummus will make them easy to spot in the fridge… and avoid that leftover mac and cheese calling out to you. (via Julie’s Jazz)
22. Crispy Baked Chickpeas: A nutritious snack that’s just as addictive as popcorn and chips combined? And one that’s endlessly customizable? We’ll take a bowlful, please. (via The Foodie Physician)
Which of these long-lasting snacks are you most excited to try? Have any other recipes that keep you full for hours? Tell us your favorite recipes in the comments below!