These Heart-Healthy Snacks are Much Better for You Than a Granola Bar

No matter how healthy you eat for breakfast and lunch, a growling stomach can make you succumb to a midday snack of packaged chips or a sugary granola bar, throwing off your well-intentioned routine. It's just not always possible to find healthy snack, let alone one that's also beneficial for your heart. However, when you do have the luxury of preparing food ahead of time, there are plenty of easy heart-healthy snacks to add to your repertoire.

The key to creating a heart-healthy snack is putting together something that contains fiber, protein, and healthy fats, says to Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN, and founder/CEO of Isabel Smith Nutrition. In order to stay satisfied throughout your daily routine, she advises you whip up a few of her go-to healthy snacks made with ingredients like almond butter, avocado, cacao nibs, and chia seeds. Here are 10 heart-healthy snacks that'll help you make it through the day without reaching for prepackaged foods.

1. Apples and Almond Butter

This easy heart-healthy snack contains healthy fat, fiber, and vitamin C, which is good for the elasticity of the blood vessels. Slice up an apple and dip the fruit in a dollop of natural almond butter for the perfect mid-morning snack.

Justin's Classic Almond Butter $11

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2. Walnuts

Walnuts are a great snack to bring with you on the go because they're not messy and require absolutely no prep work. Smith names these as a heart-healthy snack, thanks to their omega 3 and anti-inflammatory properties.

Happy Belly California Walnuts $18

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3. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Turmeric

Sprinkle a dash of turmeric powder over a hard-boiled egg for a simple snack. Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory. Additionally, lutein—a carotenoid vitamin—found in the egg contains antioxidants.

Frontier Co-op Organic Fair Trade Ground Turmeric $22

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4. Flax Crackers

Smith explains that flax crackers contain healthy fat and may also work to reduce "bad" cholesterol commonly known as LDL (low-density lipoproteins). Use Smith's recipe for homemade flax crackers, or look for a healthy packaged brand for a quick alternative.

Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed $9

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5. Carrots and Avocado

Mash up avocado to snack on with a serving of carrots, or make your own homemade guacamole. The avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which Smith says may also help to lower LDL cholesterol.

H&M Hand-painted Stoneware Bowl $10 $7

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6. Strawberries and Cacao Nibs

If you're craving something more on the sweet side, enjoy strawberries topped with cacao nibs. Strawberries contain antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins, as well as potassium for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Additionally, cacao nibs have heart-healthy flavanols, Smith explains.

Navitas Organics Cacao Nibs $7

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7. Smoothies

Smith suggests blending up a smoothie made with half a cup of fruit, a handful of greens, hemp milk, and a plant-based protein. Try pairing fruit like mango, bananas, and berries with the anti-inflammatory hemp milk for a smoothie that's rich in vitamin C, fiber, and flavor.

KitchenAid 5-Speed Classic Blender $100

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8. Avocado and Deviled Eggs

According to Smith, both avocados and eggs are full of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Trade out your traditional deviled egg recipe for one made with avocado to reap the benefits of this snack.

Crate and Barrel Egg Crate $7

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9. Sweet Potato Toast

Substitute bread with sweet potatoes, and top with smashed avocado or bananas for a snack full of beta-carotene and potassium.

KitchenAid 2 Slice Metal Toaster $68

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10. Chia Pudding

Follow Smith's recipe for homemade chia pudding for an easy, healthy snack. It takes just a few minutes of prep time before you can let it chill in the refrigerator, and is a great source of fiber and plant-based anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Le Parfait Super Jar $15

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Next time you have a hankering for a midday bite, try one of these heart-healthy snacks. Your heart (and your stomach) will thank you.