Many people avoid snacks because they are afraid that snacks contribute to weight gain. However, a healthy snack can offer health benefits. Snacks can even be included in a weight loss plan. The trick is to choose a snack with about 100 calories and a mix of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

Donuts and pastries are common foods served at business meetings, but they are high in fat and sugar and lack any substantial nutrition. If you and your colleagues attend regular meetings, providing healthier fare will help you avoid consuming empty calories and will also increase your intake of vitamins and minerals.

Snacks are an important part of a healthy diet for children, teens and adults. Choosing healthy snacks can be helpful if you are trying to manage your weight, lessen hunger between meals and boost energy. Small, low-fat snacks, eaten throughout the day, may reduce cravings, hunger and impulsive eating.

The USDA reports that American adults get a substantial 24 percent of total calories from snacks. The right snacks not only help you meet your nutrient needs, but can also reduce hunger and help you control your weight.

Chickpeas, olive oil and sesame paste, or tahini, are the main ingredients in hummus, a nutritious Middle-Eastern dip. Seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, cumin and black pepper, a healthy recipe for hummus is low in sodium and high in protein.

Consuming fewer calories than you expend is essential for preventing weight gain. Having a list of low-calorie foods helps you plan your meals and snacks on a calorie-controlled diet.

Ninety percent of U.S. adults snack at least once per day, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture, so chances are that most of your days include one or more snacks. High-fat, high-sugar snacks, such as cereal bars and snack cakes, can be high in calories and low in nutrients.

Air-popped popcorn is one of your best bets for a low-calorie, low-fat, high-fiber snack, advises "Cooking Light." Unlike many less-than-healthy snacks, popcorn is a whole grain that can help you fulfill the daily grain requirement recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Snacks for bodybuilders usually follow a few simple rules. They are often high in protein, low in sugar and, in general, are healthy foods. A good bodybuilding snack should shoot for around 15 or more grams of protein, with an equal or lesser amount of carbohydrates.

The average American consumes 6,900 to 9,000 milligrams of sodium a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, yet you only need 500 milligrams of sodium a day. High intakes of sodium can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure. Many snack foods contain high amounts of sodium.

As with regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is made from fermented milk. But Greek yogurt is strained more times than traditional yogurt to remove more whey. As a result, Greek yogurt is thicker and has more protein than regular yogurt.

Nabisco Honey Maid Graham Crackers are a popular snack offered in six different varieties with the nutritional content of a 1-ounce serving varying slightly, depending upon your flavor preference.