Mediterranean diet: 5 go-to healthy snacks, according to dietitian - Insider

• Dietitian Kirsten Jackson follows the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest ways to eat.
• She shared her go-to snacks with Insider, which provide fiber and protein to keep her feeling full.
• Jackson recommends chocolate oatcakes with peanut butter instead of cookies.

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The Mediterranean diet is widely considered one of the healthiest ways to eat. Vegetables, legumes, seafood, and olive oil are key components of the diet. Wine is OK in moderation, but processed and fried foods, red meat, refined grains, added sugars, and saturated fats are discouraged.

Registered dietitian Kirsten Jackson previously told Insider that she followed the Mediterranean diet, sharing her favorite breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the eating plan.

When snacking, Jackson aims to eat whole foods which provide both protein and fiber, often incorporating fruit or vegetables.

Here, she shares her go-to snacks with Insider.

Roasted chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a good alternative to chips, Jackson said.

They are "great" sources of protein and fiber and are easy to make too: Simply drain canned chickpeas, pour into a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and spices, and bake until crisp.

Homemade trail mix

Jackson makes her own trail mix by combining dark chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Dark chocolate has multiple benefits, including boosting heart health.

Apple with peanut butter

Eating apple slices with peanut butter is a satiating snack thanks to the combination of fiber, fat, and protein.

Having nuts or nut butter alongside fruit is much more filling than fruit alone, a dietitian previously told Insider.

Vegetable sticks with hummus

If you don't have time to chop carrots, peppers, cucumber, or celery, Jackson recommends buying pre-cut vegetables for convenience.

Combining with hummus makes the snack more filling than vegetables alone.

Oatcakes with peanut butter

Jackson also snacks on oatcakes with peanut butter. She aims to always eat complex carbohydrates — like oats, sweet potato, brown bread, or wholegrain pasta — because they contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than refined carbs like white bread, potatoes, and pasta.

If you're craving cookies, Jackson recommends looking out for chocolate oatcakes to help satisfy your sweet tooth too.

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Mediterranean diet: 5 go-to healthy snacks, according to dietitian - Insider
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