Whether you’re involved in a strenuous and demanding exercise regimen, or have plunged head strong into a weight loss program, maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet is essential for reaching your goal and reaping the rewards. Those elevated and confident times in the day when you’re pumped and strong as a tiger are a breeze to blow through. However, it’s those in-between times when the adrenaline falls and the diet surge has subsided that things become tricky.

One of the easiest places to falter is in the snacking department. When the workout is over or the daily diet has been maintained, it’s extremely tempting to grab a big bowl of ice cream, a bag of potato chips and tub of green onion dip, or a giant sized Snickers to satisfy that snacking urge.

In order to beat the bulge, however, healthy snacks must be included in the daily fitness plan. Therefore, when you feel the motion to munch and the need to feed in between workouts and diet meals, reach for these tasty and nutritious treats instead.

Diet Friendly Fruits

These raw food snacks are always on the top of the healthy diet snack list and for good reason. Fruits are full of nutrients and rich in fiber. Besides that, most fruits contain a good deal of water that helps to keep you hydrated and are naturally sweet to help curb that nagging sweet tooth.

Another great snacking aspect of fruit is that many kinds can be carried with you. So, not only is it a great idea to keep fruit within arm’s reach at the house and office, but you can carry an apple, banana, peach, or pear with you while out running errands. That way, if you’re tempted to try a taco, reach into your pocket and pull out a plum instead!

Versatile Veggies

Fresh vegetables are, of course, another nutritious, tasty, and healthy snack option. The typical celery and carrot sticks may make good diet snacks, but they can sometimes get boring. When your tongue throws a tantrum, add a dash of peanut butter or low-fat yogurt to them and calm the savage beast.

Other raw vegetables make great junk food substitutes as well. Asparagus, cauliflower, and broccoli are refreshing all-natural snacks that add some crunch that helps to make you feel more satisfied. Even popping a handful of fresh peas provides a healthy alternative to that colorful bag of high sugar Skittles.

Delicious Dips

Brighten up your vegetables, whole wheat crackers, and rice cakes with nutritious and delicious dips. Hummus is a wonderful addition to bland foods and is high in fiber, low in fat, and includes a good dose of protein from the ground in chickpeas.

Guacamole is another awesome dip option that’s ready in minutes. Mash up an avocado and add a dash of sea salt, a pinch of garlic, and a squeeze of lemon, and you’re ready to indulge. Add other wholesome veggies such as tomatoes and fresh corn kernels for an extra nutritious kick.

Other dip ideas are peanut butter (either smooth or chunky for some extra chew), low-fat yogurt, and apple sauce.

Nutritious Nuts

Squirrels are smarter than you think. Copy them by keeping a pocket full of nuts with you so that you will always have a delicious, fulfilling, and nutritious snack to keep the junk food jitters at bay.

Nuts are high in protein and fiber and come in a wonderful, tasty variety. Add a potent punch to your nut snack by mixing in dried fruits such as raisins, papaya, and pineapple, and you’ll have yourself a tasty trail mix at the ready.

When you have the urge to indulge, beat the bulge by reaching for delightful, delicious, and nutritious snacks instead.