The Smartest Snacks: You crave it, we've got it

It's time to get real about snacking! These ideas rely on natural, real and delicious foods: sweet, juicy, drip-down-your-chin fruit, crunchy-yet-savory veggies, and creamy-without-the-cream puddings and dips.

SALTY SNACKS
When you're jonesing for some salt-and a little goes a long way.

Buffalo Popcorn: Toss air-popped popcorn with olive oil, a little hot sauce and a handful of crumbled blue cheese to season.

Cheesy Kale Chips: Tear kale leaves into large pieces and arrange on a baking sheet. Spritz with olive oil and bake in a 350° oven until crisp. While still warm, sprinkle with grated parmesan.

Tamari-seasoned rice crackers are a salt lover's vehicle for tuna salad. We like to punch it up with a squeeze of sriracha chili sauce!

Smoked Turkey Pinwheels: Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on sliced smoked turkey breast and top with thinly sliced tomato. Roll up and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Whole wheat pretzels are always delicious, but they're flat-out irresistible when slathered with spicy mustard spiked with ancho chile powder and sea salt.

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SUPERFOOD SNACKS
These eats aren't just healthy-they're supercharged! We packed them with ingredients that will boost your energy and mood.

Stuffed Figs: Split plump dried figs and stuff with toasted hazelnuts. Who says health food can't taste decadent?

Spinach-Miso Dip: Thaw a box of chopped spinach and squeeze it dry. Stir in enough yogurt to make a dip and season with powdered miso soup mix.

Indian-Spiced Cashews: Toss raw cashews in coconut oil and curry powder; roast at 400° until golden.

Up the antioxidant levels in your guacamole-and give it a sweet-tart kick-by stirring in some pomegranate seeds and diced tomatoes.

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CRUNCHY SNACKS
These snacks are made with flavorful and healthy foods that offer the same satisfying crunch as a bag of chips.

Plantain Chips with Caribbean Salsa: Toss together finely chopped banana, cucumber, jalapeño, bell pepper, red onion and a good squeeze of lime juice.

Chickpea Poppers: Thoroughly dry canned chickpeas. Spritz with extra-virgin olive oil, season with dried oregano and garlic salt and roast at 400° until crisp.

Put down the butter! Spread whole grain toast with tahini instead. Top with shredded carrots, golden raisins and alfalfa sprouts.

1-2-3 Thai Slaw: Open a bag of shredded carrots; dress lightly with toasted sesame oil, lime juice, olive oil, honey and a dash of cayenne pepper. Toss in chopped salted peanuts.

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CREAMY SNACKS
Plenty of healthy foods can taste rich and buttery when made into spreads and dips.

Instant California Roll: Quarter a ripe avocado and remove the pit. Stuff with wasabi-spiked imitation crab and drizzle with soy sauce.

Microwave a small sweet potato, split it open and mash a little OJ into it. Eat right out of the jacket.

Butternut Dip: In a food processor, pulse thawed frozen butternut squash, dried apricots and roasted cashews; scoop up with sweet potato chips.

Pumpkin Spread: Stir together tahini, canned pumpkin puree and a little apple juice and cinnamon. Spread on toasted whole grain cornbread.

Curried Hummus: Combine pureed chickpeas with lemon juice, garlic, curry powder, garam masala and olive oil.

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SWEET SNACKS
We're hardwired to love sugar-but you can indulge without reaching for a candy bar.

Are you a fan of chocolate-covered pretzels? Try tamari-seasoned rice cakes dipped in melted bittersweet chocolate.

Mini Coffee Pops: Spike vanilla rice milk with brewed espresso, then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze, using cinnamon sticks as handles.

Peanut Butter & Coconut Bars: Combine puffed whole grain cereal with just enough peanut butter and marshmallow cream to hold it together. Stir in shredded coconut and dried blueberries. Press into a pan, chill and cut into bite-size portions.

When it feels like banana cream pie would really hit the spot, try this: Grab some graham crackers, spread them with vanilla greek yogurt and top with a handful of banana slices and a sprinkling of ground flaxseed.

No-Bake Fruit Crisp: Sprinkle fresh blackberries with your favorite type of granola and microwave until warm.

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