Looking for some good and practical ideas for snacks that will help you stay lean and healthy? Here is a growing list. This article assumes you already understand the importance of eating several (5-6) small meals each day in order to keep your metabolism high. With that being said, much of your food will be eaten away from home. Because of this it's important to have good sources to snack on throughout the day that won't set you back in reaching your goals. Unfortunately, most of the food you'll get in a vending machine won't cut it.

• Turkey and cheese roll-up
• It's simple! Just get a slice of turkey sandwich meet and a slice of cheese. Lay one on top of the other and roll them up. It's surprisingly good!
• Fruits or vegetables

Overall, any fruit or vegetable you eat is going to be better than anything else you can snack on. Problem is, you've probably been raised on junk food and haven't developed a taste for real, good food. It grows on you, I promise!

Cottage cheese and fruit or yogurt

In a bowl, mix cottage cheese and some of your favorite fruit or yogurt. It's healthy and delicious!

Yogurt-low fat

Popcorn

Just don't lather it with butter and it's a safe, easy snack.

• Fruit smoothie (maybe add protein powder)

There are hundreds of smoothie recipes out there. I advise vanilla soy milk, banana, other frozen fruit, and a scoop of protein powder! Awesome!

• Crackers and low-fat cheese

Enough said.

Store Bought Bars

Some are better than others: Kashi, Balance, Zone Perfect, Granola bars

• Beef Jerky
• Apple Sauce
• Fruit Popsicles
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Let us know if you have any ideas for improving this list here...

For much more information on proper eating to be healthy and lean, check out Get Lean.

Written by Mike Caton - Founder of CheerTough, Inc