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With mindful choices, anyone can make nutritious snacking a realistic part of their daily routine.
Walnuts, almonds, and peanuts, as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, are high-protein, omega-fatty acid-rich brain foods and great snacks (Photo: Shutterstock)
Healthy snacking is often seen as an expensive, tasteless, and time-consuming endeavor, yet experts in nutrition and wellness are quick to dispel these misconceptions.
Kommal Vishant, a nutritionist, explains how accessible healthy snacking can be when approached strategically. “People often believe that healthy snacking means spending a lot of money, but this isn’t necessarily true,” she says. In her experience, some of the most nutritious snacks are quite affordable if chosen carefully. Nuts and seeds, for instance, offer essential nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and vitamins—and buying them in bulk can significantly cut costs. She also highlights that seasonal produce is generally cheaper than processed snacks, making fresh fruits and vegetables an excellent and budget-friendly option.
“Most things masquerading as ‘health foods’ in supermarkets are more costly simply because of packaging or branding, not their nutritional value,” adds Vishant. A simple apple with a handful of almonds, she notes, can be as nutritious and satisfying as any branded snack—at a fraction of the price.
Taste is another common sticking point, with many people assuming that healthy snacks are bland or unappetizing. Dr Manmohan Singh, MD of Medical Affairs, challenges this myth, noting that healthy snacks can be bursting with flavor. “There’s a widespread myth that healthy snacks are rather bland,” he observes.
“But healthy snacks can come in an incredibly wide range of flavors and textures.” Singh suggests simple combinations like hummus with vegetables or yogurt parfaits topped with fruits and nuts, which offer satisfying tastes and textures without added sugars or artificial preservatives. The flavors of herbs, spices, or a touch of natural sweetness from honey or cinnamon can transform simple snacks into delicious options. Dr Singh believes that the idea of healthy snacks as tasteless staples, such as plain rice cakes or raw vegetables, is outdated. With a bit of creativity, people can discover flavorful, nutritious snacks that are as enjoyable as they are wholesome.
For those concerned about the time investment, Pathik Patel, founder, Fit and Flex, emphasizes that healthy snacking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. “One of the biggest misconceptions about healthy snacking is that it’s hard to fit into a hectic lifestyle,” says Patel. He explains that many nutrient-dense snacks, like pre-cut veggie sticks, protein smoothies, or snack bars, can be prepared in minutes and are easy to carry on the go. For Patel, healthy snacking is about making simple, intentional choices that align with long-term wellness goals. “Once people realize that good decisions are indeed possible and achievable, they’ll be much more likely to incorporate them into their everyday lives,” he affirms.
Together, these experts reveal that healthy snacking can be affordable, flavorful, and convenient. With mindful choices, anyone can make nutritious snacking a realistic part of their daily routine.
