The temptation of a salty snack every now and then can be very hard to resist, but if you eat chips or crackers, you consume an enormous amount of saturated fat and sodium. If you prefer nuts, try them. Several studies have shown that eating mixed nuts every day reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by 28%.
The nuts don't have to be mixed; any variety will do, including peanuts, which are much more affordable. The nuts are excellent crunchy toppings for salads, roasted vegetables, and casseroles. You can eat them by the handful or chop and toast them.