Tis the Season to Ditch the Chip: 5 Healthy Snacks The Whole Family Will Love This Holiday Season

Welcome to the holiday season. A time of year known for larger meals, shorter days, colder weather, and, unfortunately, a little more stress on the buttons of your pants. Even the kids fall victim to the dreaded winter-time munchies, snacking on everything in sight.  

We all go through it. However, there are some ways to beat back the holiday bulge by choosing healthier snacks in between those cookie swaps, holiday parties, and grandma's apple tarts.

We'd love to propose a piece focused on healthy "snack hacks" that will help folks keep the pounds off during the holiday season without getting in the way of their merriment. Here are a few examples:

1. HUMMUS: THE ULTIMATE VEGGIE DIPPER

It seems like nearly everything has hummus on it these days and for good reason. The perfect blend of mashed chick peas, spices, and heart-healthy olive oil can turn some bland carrots and celery into a Mediterranean flavor-vacation. 

2. EDAMAME: SUSHI'S FAVORITE SIDE 

While we're using our tastebuds to travel the world, why not try some edamame. These teeny soybean(y) pods offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to handfuls of potato chips. PRO TIP: Steam 'em in the microwave and toss them in some sea salt. Trust us.3.  WHO YOU CALLIN' JERKY, TURKEY?

It's shriveled, it's salty, it's delicious. Turkey jerky is probably the most underrated snack on this list. Much maligned and overshadowed by its beefier cousin, turkey is a lean meat full of protein to keep you full without a ton of calories to slow you down. Plus, it lasts forever. 

4. PROTEIN BOOSTER: MICROWAVABLE EGGS 

I know what you're saying, microwaved eggs? Eggs are full of protein, eminently diverse, and available in Egg Bite form that just large enough to be a hearty snack or replace a small meal. Three Bridges Egg Bites will change your mind about microwaved eggs. 

5. BAKED SWEET POTATO OR KALE CHIPS

Kale is having a moment and sweet potatoes are a staple. So of course they make great chips. The key here is that they are baked and not fried, making them infinitely healthier than regular chips while retaining the salty crunchiness you need to get through that 4 p.m. budget meeting. 

There are literally dozens more healthy snacks that can help keep your diet in check as the holidays do their best to upset it... but this pitch can only be so long.