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The AHA is grateful for volunteers, such as Devin Alexander, chef for NBC’s Biggest Loser and author, to lend her voice on healthy living topics. Devin shares her personal perspective as a chef in this blog entry.

It is the peak of summer, and everyone is out and about! Whether you’re headed to the beach or park, out shopping with your girlfriends or running errands, there’s something essential that’s in every woman’s purse: her snacks. Choosing the right snack is crucial. It should have fiber and protein to keep you satisfied while still being aligned with your goals. Seasonal fruits and vegetables can be easy to pack, tasty and healthy options.

Here are my favorite go-tos:

• Nutty snack packs: These are full of good-for-you fats and can be filling, even in small quantities. Make sure to buy unsalted, raw or dry roasted nuts to keep out the extra oil and sodium. And keep yourself in check by buying 100-calorie packs or pre-portioning larger bags into smaller ones. That way you won’t accidentally overdo it! I’m such a huge fan of California walnuts. I’m going on tour for them this summer to show people what a perfect snack they are!

• Do the dairy: Light string cheese is an amazing low-fat, high-protein snack, as is Greek yogurt! For the yogurt, stick to nonfat Greek and sweeten it yourself with a touch of honey or fresh berries. Too many brands are packing more sugar in a single-serve yogurt than in a serving of cookies! When you choose yogurt with live active cultures bursting with probiotics, you’re helping your digestive system, too.

• Pop it up: Popcorn is a great choice because it is not only loaded with fiber and low in fat, but you get the “quantity” factor as well. If you’re someone who wants to chow down on a large bowl of something, popcorn may be your answer. Try adding fresh herbs or salt-free seasoning, and pop it in just a touch of a heart-healthy oil. (Make sure the oil has a high smoking point). I like using avocado oil.

• From the ground: It really doesn’t get much better than fresh fruits and veggies. Vegetables are the No. 1 way to feel full without expending a lot of your calorie budget, and they’re jam-packed with nutrients, too! My favorite easy snackers are mini sweet peppers, grape tomatoes (they don’t have to be kept cold), cucumbers, apples, tangerines (so easy to peel!) and cherries (in season right now). 

• Get jerky: Though some traditional jerky can be laden with fat, calories, sugar and salt, there are new, healthier brands emerging. When I find a good one, I’m in heaven and make it a go-to snack since it’s high in protein. Next time you’re at your natural foods market, it’s worth a quick peruse! Just be sure you read the label carefully and steer clear of excess sodium and sugar.

Whether you can’t sit down to a full meal or are looking for that energy boost in between lunch and dinner, pick a snack that will keep your heart healthy and your tummy happy!