Snacking can be tricky, especially when you work and often have to eat out. But snacks don’t have to mean a bag of potato chips or a packet of biscuits. It can be wholesome and nutritious, that is if you put a little thought into it. Here are some healthy snack options that you can indulge in when hunger strikes.
Greek yogurt and mixed berries
Plain Greek yogurt and berries make a delicious, nutrient-dense snack. Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium and potassium and it’s also protein rich. Berries, on the other hand, are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Combine the two and you have a nutrient dense snack that’s tasty as well.
Apple slices with peanut butter
Apples and peanut butter go really well together. We urge you to try it. You will be hooked. Apples are high in fiber and antioxidants that are good for gut health and reduce heart disease risk. Peanut butter is also good for heart health. It increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides. However, it’s a high in calories and need to be consumed in moderation. Have one small apple with half a tablespoon of peanut butter for your next snack.
Dark chocolate and almonds
Wouldn’t you love to have some chocolate for a snack? Combine dark chocolate and almonds for a crunchy and satisfying snack. Dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure and almonds are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and help control blood sugar. Studies also show that they can reduce appetite and help you lose weight as well. Chop some dark chocolate and mix it with a handful of almonds and store it in a small airtight container.
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Banana split
Yes, you heard us right. But our banana split is a healthy version of the classic dessert. You can make it by halving a banana, then topping it with yogurt and nuts. It’s a delicious combo of carbs, protein, and healthy fat and more importantly, it’s super-fun to eat. Slice a small banana in half vertically. Top the open banana face with 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt and two tablespoons of chopped walnuts or other dried fruits of your choice.
Trail mix
A small handful of trail mix is something that won’t spoil your appetite for my next meal. And it’s easy to make as well. Combine equal parts unsweetened dried fruit and unsalted roasted nuts. You can add anything you want. Raisins, pistachio, cashews, walnuts, dried berries, take your pick. Put in what you want and skip what you don’t have a taste for. Reach for a quarter cup of the mixture when you need a boost.
Hard-boiled eggs
Eggs are one of the healthiest and most weight-loss-friendly foods you can eat. And you can actually boil an egg and keep it in your bag to eat when you are hungry. Eggs are rich in protein and vitamins. What’s more, eggs are incredibly filling and can help keep hungry at bay for hours, thus helping you lose weight. Two large, hard-boiled eggs have around 140 calories and 13 grams of protein.
Plain oatmeal
If you think oatmeal is only for breakfast, think again. Packets of instant, plain oatmeal microwaved with water in a mug and sprinkled with cinnamon is a great cold-weather snack when you want something warm and filling. Sprinkle some seeds for some added benefits. You can put a teaspoon of sunflower and pumpkin seeds on top of the oatmeal after microwaving it.
Carrots and cucumber slices with hummus
Hummus is made from chickpeas, olive oil, and garlic, and it helps reduce inflammation and may improve heart health. It’s quite easy to prepare as well. There are many simple recipes available online and there are tutorials on YouTube as well. You can prepare a big batch and store it in the fridge. When you need to prepare a snack, chop some carrots and cucumbers and put a dollop of hummus on the side and indulge in this heavenly delight.
Sun-dried tomatoes with avocado
Halve an avocado and remove the stone. With a spoon, scoop out a little of the flesh to make the hole a bit bigger. Place the scooped-out flesh into a bowl along with the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper; give it a good mix. Put this mixture in the hollow area of the avocado and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. This simple snack that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare is nutritious and satisfying.
Air-popped popcorn
Make easy air-popped popcorn by adding ¼ cup of popcorn kernels to a microwave-safe bowl, then covering with a microwave-safe plate and popping it in for around three minutes. You can add seasonings like cinnamon, red pepper flakes, cumin, turmeric, or dried rosemary for some flavor. Besides being low in calories, popcorn is a whole-grain, fiber-rich food, so you digest the carbs slowly and steadily.
