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Snack swap: tips for healthy and tasty treats

WATCH ABOVE: Some tasty and healthy tips for anyone stuck inside this winter who also loves a good snack.

Packing on the pounds might make you a tad warmer in this frigid weather. But if you don’t want to worry about shedding the winter weight come spring, here are some easy and scrumptious snack swaps you can add to your diet.

First, put down the chocolate. Yes, we know it’s delicious. So is this homemade Chocolate Avocado Pudding, though, which is filled with “good fat.” Plus, it’s a way to sneak in a heart-healthy vegetable (avocado).

“Kids never know,” says naturopathic doctor Olivia Rose. She has the full recipe on her blog.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Chocolate Avocado Pudding can be a great substitute for regular chocolate. Olivia Rose

If you’re tired of yogurt and oatmeal, Rose has another concoction that may appeal to your taste-buds: Chia Pudding Parfait. It has a similar consistency to porridge or tapioca pudding, with a nutritional kick.

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“The nutritional yield of chia just amazes me. Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, tons of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and protein.

“In fact, four tablespoons of chia seeds will provide approximately 30 grams of protein. This means chia seeds make a great snack that will also keep you satiated,” Rose writes on her blog.

Tired of yogurt? Try chia pudding for a change.
Tired of yogurt? Try chia pudding for a change. orosend.com

Another piece of advice: ditch the potato chips.

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Thankfully, you can still satiate your chip cravings with healthier alternatives like baked kale chips.

Kale chips (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images for Girl Behind the Camera)
Kale chips (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images for Girl Behind the Camera).

Rose also suggests seaweed, a rich source of nutrients; or Edamame beans, which are high in protein.

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Also high in protein? Peanut butter. Due to allergy concerns, however, not everyone can enjoy it. That’s where pumpkin seed butter can come in.

She adds that it’s high in zinc, which is good for the brain and immune system.

The higher fat content is balanced out by the protein. Still, Rose says to aim for two tablespoons per serving, because moderation is always key.

Pumpkin seed butter can be a healthier snack swap for peanut butter.
Pumpkin seed butter can be a healthier snack swap for peanut butter.

And if you like nuts, Rose recommends opting for the walnut — she says they’re even healthier than almonds.

“They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, good for prostate, heart health and the brain.”

WATCH: Registered dietitian Theo Phillips offers up some ideas that are tasty and nutritional.

Try to plan ahead and have your healthy snacks stocked at work, where things can go downhill fast when it comes to eating well.

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You can get more tips on what to eat and drink to get yourself through the workday here.

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