Some of the common COPD symptoms are frequent coughing, shortness of breath, and overall lethargy. You may not have the luxury of planning proper nutritious meals for yourself, particularly because cooking usually involves steamy and smoky conditions.

Moreover, because of the efforts that you have to make to breathe, you end up burning a lot more calories as compared to what an average human will burn during inhalations and exhalations. So, your calorie demands are going to be greater. This is why you need to snack often to keep energy levels up throughout the day, and finding out the  best snacks for COPD  can be a wise thing to do.

Following are some healthy snacks that you can prepare at home:

• Hard-boiled eggs  can be your go-to snacks at any time of the day because they are super easy to make and easier to nibble. They are rich in proteins and help to strengthen your muscles; this is imperative since you have to get enough strength in your respiratory muscles to cope with the condition.
• Greek yogurt  offer you twice the amount of proteins compared to regular yogurts. It also provides “good bacteria” that aids in digestion, and this makes it a better choice for COPD patients. Probiotics will help to strengthen your immune system so that you are better equipped to fight infections.
• Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy compounds and omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce cholesterol levels and protect you against heart diseases. They have antioxidants that prevent cell damage and protect against inflammation, which is associated with COPD.
• Avocados make for a rather nutritious snacking food for COPD patients. They have a high content of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats and give a calorie boost, which is something that COPD patients will need.
• Salmon can compensate for the protein intake that is needed by COPD patients every day. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that protect against inflammation.
• Apples taken with almond butter makes for one of the  best snacks for COPD  because it is both crunchy and creamy.
• Fruit smoothies can be excellent snack ideas for COPD patients because they are easy to make. Unlike juices, the fruit pulp is retained in the smoothie. When you use milk to make the smoothie, your calcium, protein, and vitamin D requirements are also taken care of.
• Oatmeal may be a great afternoon snack for a quick calorie boost. COPD may make you feel worn out by noon, and oats, being complex carbs, will give energy and fuel to your body. It is best to choose fruits like cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and potassium-rich mangoes, and bananas. For vegetable smoothies, you can use kale or spinach that are rich in vitamin A or cruciferous veggies like broccoli.
• Cheese sticks can be a great snack idea; it is best to use cheese on potatoes, rice, or vegetables, and whole-grain crackers. This will increase vitamin D and calcium intake, which is needed to prevent respiratory illnesses in older adults.
• Homemade popcorns make a great snack options for COPD patients. Make sure you stay away from the flavored options.