Hunger is a feeling that teenagers know all too well. If you’re someone who stays up late often, hunger in the middle of the night is something you also might experience. These midnight munchies don’t always lead to the healthiest of foods. Therefore, if you need a snack that’s delicious, yet still nutritious during the night time hours, continue reading. Or if you just want a few classic healthy snacks that you can whip up easily anytime, this article is also for you.

Frozen Grapes:

Though not the conventional way to eat grapes, this fun alternative is a great way to eat this basic fruit.  Simply wash, dry, and de-stem the desired amount of grapes, place on wax paper and a cookie sheet or plate, and then stick them in the freezer for 4-5 hours. You can also wash grapes, dry them almost completely, and then lay them flat in a Ziploc bag to freeze. Be careful not to over freeze though, because the grapes may lose some of their flavor if left too long in the freezer. Next, remove and eat. For a fun twist, pop them in yogurt or use them as ice cubes for drinks.

Carrots and Snap Peas:

Similar in shape, but different in flavor, these vegetable finger-foods are pretty good by themselves already, though I doubt everyone would agree. Yes, there are plenty of other vegetables that are also both healthy and delicious, but these especially taste good with hummus and other spreads. Pair them with any dip or simply eat them plain. They work with many flavors— it’s just dependent on what you’re in the mood for.

Peanut Butter and Everything?:

Peanut butter, in moderation, is healthy. Always a good source of protein, peanut butter provides the energy you need to finish those late-night projects or to go through everyday life. First, you need a brand that doesn’t have added sugar, palm oil, or hydrogenated oils. Yes, this means the kind where usually the peanut butter and the oil are separated, and you have to stir profusely to make them merge into one.

Missing the sugar? If so, just add a bit of honey to whatever you are eating peanut butter with. Peanut butter, only if you like it of course, can literally be used with anything. It’s up to you how healthy. Peanut butter and fruit (apples and bananas), peanut butter and breakfast items (toast, waffles, English muffins, and pancakes), peanut butter and celery, peanut butter and pretzels: the possibilities are endless. For a tasty and even healthier alternative, try almond butter.

Yogurt:

There are similar limitations to keep in mind with yogurt. I am not recommending that you go buy the flavored yogurts that have as much sugar in them as brownies, unless you want to, of course. Plain yogurt or full-fat organic Greek yogurt is a great source of protein. The problem is, not everyone likes the taste of these two. This is where creativity comes in. To sweeten, add honey or maple syrup in small amounts, or eat with fruit (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries). Also, if you include granola or a healthy cereal, the combination can act as a high energy snack or work as a good way to start your day.

Popcorn:

When air-popped from home, meaning not pre-packaged or from the movie theater, popcorn is a snack that is actually good for you, again in moderation. There are many ways to eat popcorn as well (sweet, salty, spicy). Simply check out this website for ideas on how to go from regular popcorn to more fun and flavorful popcorn: http://greatist.com/eat/healthy-popcorn-recipes.  Easy to eat on any occasion, popcorn is a personal favorite of mine. While sometimes you’re just in the mood for microwaveable butter popcorn, it’s important to keep in mind that there are many, often healthier alternatives.

Whether a late-night snacker or a general food lover, these will be great, better-for-you options to try. Effortless, but still delicious, I encourage you to try any of these snacks if you haven’t already. For more ways to snack well, feel free to research. There are plenty of snacks that will satisfy your cravings, but not break your bank or damage your good health in the process.

Citations:

“How to Make Frozen Grapes.” WikiHow. Mediawiki, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.

Pifer, Angela. “Greek Yogurt- Not as Healthy as You Think.” Clean & Lean Revolution. Sterr Bros, 5 Oct. 2015. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.