Snacking is a convenient and delicious way to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and nutrients. When selecting a nutritious snack, look for something with fiber and low protein content.
Many packaged snacks boast healthful claims on the front-of-packaging, but many contain hidden sources of added sugar. When looking for healthy snack options that contain little added sugar and are made with whole foods, look for those low in added sugars and high in nutritive value.
Baked Apples with Cinnamon
These baked apples will fill your house with aromas of warm spices that will remind you of a cozy fall evening! Plus, this recipe is simple and straightforward!
Apples are sliced and cored before being coated in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt for baking until tender and the sauce bubbly. A little brown sugar goes a long way toward sweetening these apples without overshadowing their delicate sweetness; corn starch thickens the sauce while lemon juice provides acidity for extra zestiness.
Maintaining hunger with healthy snacks is key for keeping hunger under control and fuelling your body effectively. Complex carbs, proteins and healthy fats all offer slow digesting energy sources which provide fuel. They’re especially great to pack for road trips as airtight containers allow safe temperatures for storage.
Stuffed Pitas with Ricotta Cheese
These tasty pitas provide complex carbs, protein and healthy fats in a balanced combination that’s easily digested for energy boost. Furthermore, these crunchy snacks also contain fiber and anti-oxidants – all essential components to good health!
Make these pitas in advance and keep them frozen – perfect for school lunch, snacks or when you need a hot sandwich!
Ricotta cheese offers calcium, vitamin A and protein; when mixed with lemony flavors and spices it creates an irresistibly zesty filling that complements any grilled vegetable perfectly. Be sure to choose low-fat ricotta for optimal nutrition!
Fruit Smoothie
Smoothies are an enjoyable treat that are quick and simple to prepare at home, providing portable drinks you can bring anywhere with you to help manage weight and satisfy hunger cravings. They may also serve as part of an effective weight management plan by keeping appetite at bay.
Strawberry and pineapple combine for an irresistibly vibrant smoothie, providing it with its delightfully fruity taste and providing a great source of vitamin C and satisfying snack in warm weather.
Smoothies can be created using any combination of fruits, veggies, yogurt and protein sources like whey or lean meats. To increase protein intake, consider Greek-style strained yogurt which packs in plenty of protein while helping slow digestion for sustained energy levels. Vegetables such as grated carrot, kale or spinach add additional flavor and nutrition.
Edamame
Edamame can add texture, protein and fiber to your meals – close to what’s required of most women and men, according to Healthline. Plus it’s high in potassium which plays an essential role in heartbeat regulation as well as maintaining nerve and muscle function.
Stores usually carry fresh or frozen edamame, which comes in pods with shelled forms that can be cooked steamed, boiled, or seared for optimal results. At Asian restaurants, it’s often served steamed as an appetizer or snack option; rice bowls and quinoa salads often incorporate it as well! Add extra flavor by topping off your bowl or salad with some sprinkled salt and pepper or some soy sauce!
Jicama Sticks
If you’re tired of snacking on carrot and celery sticks for snacks, give jicama sticks a try instead – they offer low calories while offering satisfying crunch! Additionally, they contain many other important nutrients that pair nicely with salsa or guacamole dip.
Jicama contains prebiotic fiber oligofructose inulin that supports probiotic bacteria in your digestive tract and vitamin C to combat oxidative stress and protect against diabetes and heart disease.
Use a vegetable peeler to peel jicama, slice into French fry-sized sticks, and toss in Tajin, an addictive blend of lime pepper and salt, for an appealing snack or mix them into salads containing mixed greens, orange slices and toasted almonds for lunchtime pleasure! Jicama contains carbohydrates with low glycemic index ratings – ideal for those needing to monitor blood sugar and insulin levels!
