Snacks can help supplement a nutritious diet. By selecting nutritious snacks over unhealthy options and restricting them for hunger or celebratory occasions, snacking will not lead to unnecessary weight gain and unhealthy eating patterns.
When seeking out protein-rich snacks, try walnuts or almonds as they contain healthy fats, magnesium and zinc – essential components of good nutrition.
Cheese
Cheese had a poor rep during the 90s fat-phobia wave, yet it can still be part of a healthy diet. Opting for reduced-fat versions is the key to keeping things on a balanced menu plan.
Cheese is an excellent source of both protein and calcium, both essential nutrients that can reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fracture later in life.
Cheese can help stretch out a snack to an appropriate portion size, such as pairing cheddar with sea-salted roasted almonds and dried cranberries for a satisfying snack that keeps its sugar count under 7 grams.
Prepping with healthy snacks can help curb cravings for high-calorie, processed food when hunger strikes, yet it is still important to monitor how many calories are being consumed from all forms of snack. Too many calories could contribute to weight gain.
Nuts
Nuts make an excellent snack choice as they contain protein, good fats and essential nutrients that provide energy boost. Opting for raw nuts will avoid extra sodium and sugar intake. Be wary when selecting too many nuts as this could lead to weight gain if eaten excessively – limit portion sizes accordingly!
Nuts contain healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help lower “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream, as well as providing vitamin E, fiber and protein. Studies have linked nuts consumption with lower risks of diabetes, gallstones and heart disease.
Healthline reports that including nuts in your regular diet can help lower unhealthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, thus improving both life span and quality. Unfortunately, nuts contain high amounts of calories; however, if consumed in appropriate portions they make an excellent and nutritious snack option. Cauliflower also makes for an excellent treat with its zero trans fat, 5 g of protein, 3 g of fiber and 187 mg of Potassium content providing satisfying fill-up options and being filling and nutritional.
Bars
While running errands, transporting kids to practices and games, or just getting some work done around the house, it can be easy to grab something quick that may not provide enough nutrition for a healthy body – such as snacks bars filled with sugar and carbs that won’t satiate you or provide enough fuel.
Protein bars offer a quick energy boost and meal replacement option for people with dietary restrictions. When selecting one, look for one with low levels of sugar while still offering balanced proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber and nutrients for maximum effectiveness.
Light snacks with healthy fats are an effective way to satisfy hunger in between meals. Celery sticks dipped in peanut butter with raisins (the classic “ants on a log”) or carrots drizzled with low-fat ranch dressing are both light, satisfying options; for something on-the-go try Clio Granola & Yogurt Parfait bars which provide 10 grams of protein!
Popsicles
Popsicles are an easy and delicious way to satisfy sweet cravings without overindulging. Most varieties contain low calories and natural fruit flavors with no artificial additives – plus, they’re an excellent source of Vitamin C!
Store-bought popsicles contain too much added sugar and should not be part of a healthy diet. When looking for popsicles to purchase, be wary of those without naturally sweetened ingredients like Stevia. Also avoid those containing high fructose corn syrup.
Homemade popsicles can also be made using 100% juice, yogurt and fat-free milk or fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen into ice cube trays, paper cups or special popsicle molds and then chilled before running them under cold water for 30-60 seconds to help release from their molds and enjoy! Be sure to choose healthy ingredients while practicing portion control to avoid weight gain; for an extra dose of protein, fibre and iron try these chia seed popsicles made with pineapple, strawberries and coconut.