Food and fitness pros insist a healthy diet can be delicious. But what’s so delicious about lettuce and skinless chicken? (It’s enough to make you head for the M&M’s.)

To show you how a nutritious and tasty diet is done, experts revealed what’s actually in their kitchens. Get ready to expand your repertoire of good-tasting, good-for-you staples and snacks – and feel better about those M&M’s.

Frozen grapes: “If I crave ice cream at night, I have a handful of these instead,” says Lacey Stone, a fitness professional in New York City. “They’re so sweet, they do the job.”

Sardines: “Believe it or not, I’ve loved them since I was a kid,” says Elisa Zied, a registered dietitian in New York City and the author of “Nutrition at Your Fingertips” (Alpha, 2009). “They’re rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.”

Almond butter: “When I need a boost after a workout, I’ll eat a small spoonful right out of the jar,” says Kathy Kaehler, a fitness expert in Los Angeles. A bonus: Studies show that eating almonds can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Greek yogurt: “It’s one of my favorite foods,” says Yvonne Castaneda, a fitness manager at the Sports Club/LA, in Miami, who eats it with berries, honey and almonds. Plain Greek yogurt is generally higher in protein and lower in sugar than regular yogurt, so it helps keep blood sugar stable and staves off a midmorning crash.

Salmon: “The healthy fats help me focus and perform better,” says Tiffany Boucher, a trainer at Equinox in New York City. “I’ll put a few fillets in a Ziploc Zip’n Steam bag, throw it in the microwave, and have dinner for several nights – no need to prep food after a long workday.”

Shredded wheat: “It provides fiber, which fills me up, and I have it with fruit for even more nutrients,” says Zied, who adds a sliced banana to her bowl before pouring on skim milk.

Apples: “I eat one almost every day,” says Michael Kaplan, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and the chief medical officer of the Center for Medical Weight Loss, headquartered in Tarrytown, N.Y. They’re full of fiber and antioxidants and may help reduce your risk of developing colon and liver cancers. “A Brazilian study even found that eating three apples daily may aid in weight loss,” says Kaplan.

Energy bars: “If I don’t get to sit down for a proper breakfast, this is a good substitute,” says Boucher, who likes Luna Blueberry Bliss and Vanilla Almond bars. “These have 8 to 10 grams of protein and provide one-third of my daily calcium.”

Hard-boiled eggs: “Eggs have an undeserved bad reputation,” says Kaplan, who enjoys up to two daily. In fact, eggs contain nutrients that can benefit your eyes, brain and hair. And according to one study, they may help prevent blood clots, which could lower the risk of a stroke or a heart attack.

Chocolate milk: “Some foodie friends may be shocked to hear this, but I drink eight ounces of organic chocolate skim milk most mornings, with breakfast or after my workout,” says Zied. (Research suggests that the mix of protein and carbohydrates in chocolate milk can make it an effective post-exercise recovery drink.)

Unsalted nuts: “I stash them in my bag, my car – they’re great for on-the-go,” says Sara Haley, a trainer in Los Angeles, who likes nuts for their protein and good fats. They can help lower cholesterol, and one study showed that walnuts in particular have strong antioxidant benefits.

Dried apples: “I love to carry these in my bag for a good, quick source of energy,” says Castaneda, who mixes hers with a handful of nuts for a balanced snack. Chewy and sweet, “they stay fresh much longer than a whole apple,” she says.

Twizzlers: “They’re my non-chocolate candy of choice,” says Zied. Zied’s key to fitting these into her diet? “I limit myself to about three at a time,” she says. (A “health” benefit: They’re low in fat.)

Caramels: “When I want something sweet after a meal, I reach for these,” says Haley. Because caramels take awhile to eat, you can stop at one or two and still be satisfied. (Of course, a tooth brushing afterward is required.)

Yogurt-covered pretzels: When she’s not in the mood for caramels, Haley grabs a handful as dessert. But only a small handful – one cup contains nearly 400 calories.

Skinny Cow ice cream cones: “These are fun, satisfying, low-fat and only 150 calories,” says Lisa Drayer, a registered dietitian in New York City and the author of “The Beauty Diet” (McGraw-Hill, 2008).

Peanut M&M’s: “I love my peanut M&M’s,” says Zied. And as far as candy is concerned, she says, they’re a decent choice: “Peanuts are packed with healthy unsaturated fats and protein.” Zied prefers them over other goodies, such as cookies, and doles out one serving of 10 to 12 pieces.