8 Worst Snacks: Are You Ruining Your Figure With Them?

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD

Best and Worst Snacks


Eight not-so-healthy snacks, plus 8 easy, healthy alternatives




WebMD Expert Column What makes a healthy snack? A good-for-you snack is one that's high in nutritional value ( protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber) but relatively low in calories, total fat, saturated fat (no trans fat), sugar, and sodium. And the most important part of that equation is "high in nutritional value." Nuts, for example, are high in fat and calories -- but are also loaded with nutrients we need, which makes them a healthy snack.



On the flip side, not-so-healthy snack choices are usually low in nutritional value but high in calories, total fat, saturated fat (and sometimes trans fat), sugars, or sodium.



While fresh veggies and fruits make super- healthy snacks, those items aren't always convenient (or the top choices for your typical family). That said, here are some of the worst snack choices you can find in your local supermarket in terms of healthfulness -- along with some healthy alternatives you can buy or put together in minutes.



8 Not-So-Healthy Snacks

1. Chocolate Coated Donuts, Mini Donuts, and Snack Cakes



This is not to say that powdered-sugar donuts are good snack choices. But chocolate-coated donuts and snack cakes have even more saturated fat than other types.

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