10 Snack Ideas to Help You Reach Your 5 a Day

By , SparkPeople Blogger
If you're having trouble fitting in 5 + servings of fruits and vegetables daily, you need to rethink your idea of them. We tend to eat a fruit cup or a piece of fruit on its own, and vegetables are relegated to side dishes at dinner.

In addition to starting each day with 2-3 servings of fruits and vegetables (I'll share my famous savory oats recipe soon!), I integrate at least two servings into snacks each day. I have no trouble reaching 8 and often more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Here are some nontraditional but delicious snacks to get you started.




1 bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut in half
Fill with:

  • 4 oz low-fat cottage cheese + chopped green onion

    (134 cals, 2 g fat, 17 g protein)
  • 2 T hummus + 2 t sliced or slivered almonds
    (160 cals, 10 g fat, 6 g protein)

    1 medium baked sweet potato (about 2" diameter by 5" long)
    Top with:

  • 2 T hummus + 2 T salsa + 1 oz shredded low-fat Cheddar
    (184 calories, 4 g fat, 11 g protein)
  • 1 T sunflower seed butter (my new obsession)
    (201 cals, 8 g fat, 6 g protein)

    1 cucumber, chopped (keep the peel if it's organic)
    Mix with:

  • 1 container plain Greek yogurt + 1 T chopped fresh herbs (try dill or tarragon) + 1 whole-grain tortilla
    (249 cals, 3 g fat, 21 g protein)

  • 2 T salsa + 1/4 avocado, chopped + 1 corn tortilla
    (177 cals, 8 g fat, 5 g protein, 7 g fiber)

    1 cup carrot sticks
    Dip into:

  • 1 container Greek yogurt + 2 T salsa

    (134 cals, 0 g fat, 16 g protein, 4 g fiber)
  • 1 T nut butter + 1 T chopped raisins + 1 T water + sprinkle cinnamon
    (187 cals, 8 g fat, 6 g protein, 5 g fiber)

    1 cup frozen berries or cherries
    Mix with:

  • 1 container yogurt (try chocolate! Don't blend--just stir and eat.)
    (201 cals, 0 g fat, 12 g protein, 3 g fiber)

  • 1 cup soymilk (mix in the blender)
    (191 cals, 4 g fat, 9 g protein, 4 g fiber)

    Have you tried any of these snacks? Will you?

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