Six healthier snack swaps

Looking for healthy snacks to bring to work or satisfy evening cravings? Instead of going to the vending machines or reaching for a pre-packaged snack, try these easy food swaps!

Swap microwave popcorn for freshly popped popcorn

It’s delicious and provides fewer additives and lower sodium. Top with parmesan cheese and pepper instead of salt. Make it at home and bring it to work the next day. Popcorn can stay fresh for one day.

Substitute sorbet for a frozen fruit treat

Take your favorite fruits and put them on a skewer. Freeze them and pull them out for a healthier frozen dessert with less sugar. This would be a great treat to come home to after work!

Try this healthier yogurt swap

Substitute fruit on the bottom yogurt for plain Greek yogurt with a small amount of honey and sunflower seeds for less total sugar — yogurt can be full of sugar — check labels and try this idea.

Trade potato chips for roasted garbanzo beans

They’re loaded with fiber and nutrients. Simply bake the beans on a metal pan and add olive oil and herbs for a healthier crunchy option.

Swap pre-packaged cheese and peanut butter crackers for homemade

Use whole-grain crackers and natural peanut butter and real cheese for a treat that’s more natural and so much better for you.

Switch those high sugar energy bars to homemade no-bake bars

Simply take 1 cup of quick oats, 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla pour in the metal pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours- slice and enjoy!

As the lead dietitian at University Medical Center New Orleans, Rosetta Danigole manages clinical dietetic operations. She is a member of the Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition and belongs to the clinical dietitian practice group. She has been a dietitian for 35 years.