8 Heart-Healthy Snacks

Edamame Hummus With Veggies

My Edamame Hummus is a lean, green dip that contains the ultimate heart-healthy nutrient trifecta — fiber, omega-3 fats, and plant protein. For an extra shot of nutrition, be sure to serve this delicious topper with vitamin-rich, colorful veggie scoopers like yellow pepper slices, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and sugar snap peas.

Apple & PB 'Wiches

Instead of the classic PB&J, try my heart-healthy PB&A! These Apple & PB 'Wiches, are jam-packed with nutrients like fiber (thanks to the apple) and monounsaturated fat (thanks to peanut butter) that protect your arteries from harmful plaque and help drive down blood pressure and cholesterol. Simply slice, spread, and savor.

Avocado w/ Lime & Sea Salt

Delight your taste buds — and give your heart a little TLC — with the creamy deliciousness of avocado. Avocados are a great source of good fat and fiber – both of which work to lower LDL cholesterol (remember "L" stands for "lousy") and amp up HDL cholesterol ("H" stands for "hero"). Simply slice an avocado in half, drizzle with fresh lime juice, and sprinkle with a touch of coarse sea salt. Dig in!

Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas

Warning — these Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas can be quite addicting. This recipe is packed with flavor and fiber making it a perfect snack to curb hunger and squelch cravings. Plus, the garbanzo beans provide loads of potassium — a key nutrient for keeping blood pressure at bay.

Kale Chips

Easy as 1-2-3 and completely guilt-free. My super quick Kale Chips are rich in fiber, calcium, and potassium — all key nutrients that help to keep your cardiovascular system in check. Make a great, big bowl and dig in. They are 100% good-for-you — so you can eat these chips to your heart's content!

Yogurt w/ Berries

Get yourself through an afternoon slump with this energizing combo of protein-packed yogurt and fiber-rich berries. Nonfat or low-fat yogurt varieties offer up calcium and protein without the saturated fat found in whole milk varieties. Plus, dark-hued berries are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect the body from artery-damaging toxins. Simply mix plain or vanilla flavored yogurt with an assortment of colorful berries — bonus points for raspberries and blackberries, since they are highest in fiber!

Tasty Trail Mix

You don't have to be trekking through the woods to enjoy this heart-healthy trail mix. Pack my make-it-yourself Tasty Trail Mix in a small container and enjoy on your commute to work, or tuck it into your desk drawer for afternoon snack emergencies. This satisfying nosh offers a substantial dose of fiber from the whole grains, healthy fat from the nuts, and antioxidants from the dark chocolate to provide a terrific trio of heart-healthy nutrients.

Almonds

For all you nutaholics out there (myself included!), here's some good news: research shows the "good" monounsaturated fats found in almonds may help to lower cholesterol levels and keep your heart pumping strong. If you're looking for a decadent treat, try Marcona almonds. This Spanish variety packs the same health punch as regular almonds, but have an extra buttery, sweet taste. One ounce (one handful, about 24 almonds) clocks in at 160 calories. Snack away!

Related: 6 Dinners That Can Lower Blood Pressure

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