‘I’m a Cardiologist—Here Are My 3 Favorite Heart-Healthy Snacks That Require Minimal Prep’

Snacking gets a bad rap. More time and energy are spent on making full meals, but snacks are expected to be readily available and quick to make, often leading to unhealthy choices. 

Most people don’t think about what they want to snack on until they’re already hungry, and scientific research shows that we tend to make unhealthier food choices when we’re at that point. Boredom is another feeling that leads to unhealthier food choices, according to scientific research. In one series of lab experiments, adults who watched a boring video were significantly more likely to consume high-fat, high-sugar snacks than those who watched a more exciting video.

In both instances, ultraprocessed, nutrient-void snacks like chips and candy are popular snack choices. Want to avoid falling into the chips and candy trap? The key is to have snacks on hand that are just as easy to eat as junk food.