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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

For those who start a new diet, the adjustment can sometimes be a little difficult. If planning meals that fit within a diet wasn’t hard enough, finding snacks can be just as hard if not harder, as many of the typical, convenient snacks don’t comply with most diets.  In this article, we’ll specifically be looking at snacks that fit the Mediterranean-style diet, but some of them can also cross-apply to other diets.

When it comes to the Mediterranean diet as a whole, the main goal is not necessarily to limit or restrict certain foods or calories, but rather to eat whole, natural foods, and it specifically emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, poultry, seafood, and healthy fats. So, snacks that fit within the Mediterranean diet just have to align with those kinds of foods.

Here are a few snack suggestions you might consider trying:

• Dried fruit and nuts – Apricots and almonds are a good pair, as are cranberries and cashews
• Popcorn with parmesan and herbs
• Veggies and hummus
• Hard boiled eggs – Either plain or as deviled eggs
• Fresh fruit and nut butter – Apples and peanut butter are delicious!
• Sliced fresh vegetables with olive oil and herbs
• Baked vegetable chips – Try zucchini, sweet potato, and while they’re not vegetables, bake chickpeas are great as well!
• Greek yogurt – Pair with fruit, nuts, or granola

Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you’re getting enough water each day. Often, we mistake our slight dehydration for hunger.

So, if you’re following the Mediterranean diet, or a similar diet, don’t let yourself feel too overwhelmed with finding good snack options. Try out some of these ideas, or come up with your own combinations of whole, natural foods!

Did you know that Arizona agriculture produces lots of yummy foods that fit into the Mediterranean diet? From eggs and poultry to fruits and vegetables, to nuts and seeds, fresh, locally grown products can be found at your grocery store or farmers market!

For more articles on the Mediterranean diet and diets in general, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!