5 vegan snacks to eat anywhere, anytime

Every type of diet has its benefits, and various diets work on different people. There's no one diet to rule them all, as each has its strengths and weaknesses. Those who find it difficult to dive into a certain diet may opt to do so gradually, or slowly substitute snacks, then meals, to more vegan options. Here are vegan snacks that are easy to make.

1. Baked Apple Chips. If cravings for the crunch cannot be kept at bay, POPSugar suggests opting for baked apple chips. According to Reader's Digest, apples have quercetin, an antioxidant that protects brain cells from degeneration, and flavonoids, that also have neuroprotective properties. Apples are also great for maintaining regular blood pressure and have been known to help reduce the risk of stroke. Baking apples makes it nice and crisp, a great alternative to store-bought potato chips that are greasy and may by filled with trans-fat.

2. Sweet Potato. Huffington Post suggests dressing sweet potatoes with peanut butter or cinnamon for added flavor. Sweet potatoes contain 4 grams of dietary fiber, and 120% of the daily value for vitamin A. Additionally, LiveScience reports that vitamin A is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps in anti-aging and cancer prevention. San Diego-based nutritionist Laura Flores also speaks praises for the sweet potato because they are "high in vitamin A, vitamin B5, B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and, due to their orange color, are high in carotenoids."

3. Baked Kale Chips. Kale chips have taken the world by storm, and there seems to be no stopping this wonder vegetable. Having them baked is a great alternative because it brings the crunch. According to Medical News Today, one cup of kale provides 680% of the daily value for vitamin K, an important nutrient for calcium absorption. Kale also promotes a healthy digestive stomach and maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

4. Nuts. These superfoods provide variety because they come in different shapes and sizes. Almonds, cashews, pecans--there's a nut for every type of meal, from topping oatmeal to dressing a salad. According to BBC, a serving of nuts can provide the body with protein, fiber, and essential fats for energy. A 2013 study also showed that those who consumed nuts lived longer, healthier lives, the Harvard Health Publication reports. Even more reason to go nuts!

5. Bananas. This fruit is easy to bring around thanks to its individually wrapped nature. It's also great to mix in oatmeal, or consume as a snack with peanut butter or trail mix. What's even better is that bananas are fat and cholesterol free. It can also be made into healthy ice cream by blending and freezing it. Flavor with dark chocolate or peanut butter and top with nuts for a full ice cream experience.