When we hear of “healthy snacks”, we usually think of carrot sticks, some bland yoghurt, or a handful of raw nuts, and this does little to get us into a healthier diet. Fortunately for us, healthy snacks can also be delicious, making our diet a little more fun, and staying healthy easier. Here are five scrumptious snacks that are as good for you, as they are for your taste buds.

Bacon & Guacamole Sandwiches

Despite the bad reputation if gets, in small quantities bacon is quite healthy. Combine it with guacamole and you’ve got yourself a treat that’ll make everyone envious.

Ingredients:

• 4 thick slices of bacon (or turkey bacon)
• Guacamole

Preparation:

1. Apply a thick layer of guacamole to 2 bacon strips
2. Place the 2 remaining strips on the guacamole

Cucumber & Feta Rolls

Cucumbers don’t have to be boring, and combining them with feta cheese changes them from a bland snack, into a mouthwatering morsel.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers
• 6 ounces feta (crumbled)
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2½ - 3½ tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
• Pitted Kalamata olives (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill or oregano
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Black pepper (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Slice the cucumbers into long, thin strips – can be done with a vegetable peeler
2. In a bowl, mix the cheese and yoghurt using a fork
3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, dill, pepper, and lemon and stir until the mixture is uniform
4. Place 1-2 teaspoons of the mix atop a cucumber slice and roll
5. Hold the roll in place with a toothpick

Basil & Pesto Almonds

Once you’ve had these almonds, you’ll never want to go back to the plain old kind. This variation is a little more fattening than the others on this list, but it is still healthier than most other snacks you can buy.

Ingredients:

• 400g whole natural almonds
• 25g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 egg whites
• 10g fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 110°C (225°F)
2. Line a baking sheet and set aside
3. Blend the basil and egg whites until smooth
4. Put the almonds in a bowl and pour the mixture over it, making sure to coat all the almonds
5. Drain any excess mixture and set almonds aside
6. Mix the salt, garlic powder, and grated cheese in a different bowl
7. Combine the almonds and cheese mix and stir to coat the almonds
8. Spread the almonds on the baking sheet and place in the oven
9. Bake for an hour, and stir the almonds every 15 minutes
10. Allow to cool and enjoy

Apple Sandwiches

Low-calorie, low-fat, high in vitamins and delicious to the extreme.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple
• Almond butter
• Granola

Preparation:

1. Core the apple and cut it into rings
2. Apply a generous layer of almond butter atop half the rings
3. Sprinkle granola over the butter
4. Place “empty” rings over granola to form sandwiches

Chocolate Espresso Smoothie

Forget that chemical-laden Starbucks coffee, and make yourself a smoothie that combines health, caffeine, and chocolate(!).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup ice
• 1 banana, cut and frozen
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee grounds / ½ cup coffee
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon coconut palm sugar

Preparation:

1. Blend ingredients and enjoy.