To many people, snacks are synonymous with junk food and associated with poor diet and unhealthy living — but this doesn't have to be the case.

Snacks can be a great way to incorporate a broad range of nutrients into your diet, particularly through the addition of fresh fruit and vegetables, and could lead to a far healthier, more energised you.

Check out 20 of the best snack recipes here!

With health experts and dieticians now often promoting smaller, more frequent meals as opposed to the standard three main meals a day, it seems clearer than ever that snacking can in fact complement your diet and offer a number of health advantages. For example, snacks can help you curb feelings of hunger before a meal, preventing overeating and therefore reducing your calorie intake. They can also help you to sustain high energy levels throughout the day, keeping blood sugar levels constant, and improving brain performance overall.

To break up your boring snack routine and introduce some healthier, more exciting munchies into your diet, why not try these simple ideas:

• Raw vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, celery, zucchini, red and green peppers, dipped in natural yoghurt or tuna dip
• Oat biscuits or crackers with low-fat, soft cheese
• Hummus on whole-wheat pita-bread
• Savoury muffins such as zucchini and corn or prosciutto, cheese and sundried tomato
• Tasty and nutritious banana bread

Check out Recipe Finder's selection of the best snack recipes here.

YOUR SAY: Do you have any great snack ideas? Share them below!