Pin It: Ten healthy snack ideas

When you're trying to diet, hunger seems to intensify, at least for me. And the more I workout, the hungrier I get.

The first switch happens in my head...it's not a diet; it's eating well. And in eating well, I live well. I feel better about myself and my choices. I am more eager to work out. I feel great, and my overall outlook on life is improved.

It's important that when I eat, I go for something healthy, and, just like with breakfast (see easy, healthy breakfast ideas here) planning is half the battle. If I have go-to snacks that are prepped or portable, there's no excuse for me to choose poorly.

Here are some of my favorites.

1. Raw almonds--there are about 24 in an ounce, one serving size. If you have a kitchen scale, even better. Knowledge is power. Add an apple or a clementine for a bit of sweetness.

2. Protein bar. Quest protein bars are my favorite. They are high protein (20g) and high fiber (17-18g) and low sugar (1g). They're not coated, so they don't melt. They're fabulous warmed up and there's even a peanut-butter cup option that is better than the real thing. Available online, at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe...watch for sales...they're worth every penny.

3. Nut butter balls...easy and yummy...get the recipe here.

4. Apple and 2 tablespoons of all-natural (no sugar) peanut butter.

5. Hummus and veggies. Or, you can mix dry ranch dip into plain Greek yogurt. and make a dip for those veggies. Or use salsa.

6. Peanut butter & banana shake up. Slice a banana and put it in a zipper-lock-style bag. Add 2 tablespoons of PB2 and shake it up. Enjoy! This works with sliced apple too. This is one of my favorites.

7. Trader Joe's goat cheese medallions with veggies or a Wasa crisp. Creamy and indulgent.

8. Roasted chickpeas. Preheat the oven to 450. Rinse and dry a can of chickpeas. Mix seasoning with a tablespoon of olive oil and mix to coat. Put on a cookie sheet and roast 20-25 minutes. Be careful towards the end...they can burn. Experiment with seasoning...cinnamon-sugar, salt and pepper, tamari...anything you want that sounds good. Make it yours.

9. Fat free or low fat cottage cheese, plain or with pineapple or Greek yogurt, topped with 1/4 cup frozen wild blueberries, a half ounce of chopped walnuts or pecans, a tablespoon or so of low-sugar craisins, and a tablespoon or so of chopped dates. You can mix up the toppings...this is what I like.

10. Piece of toast with 1/4 mashed avocado, salt and pepper (or 100-calorie pack guacamole)

BONUS: Deviled egg (no yolk)--egg white stuffed with hummus or guacamole.

Good luck with the resolve to eat healthier. Eat well, live well.