It's easy to go for a fast junk food fix when the cravings strike, particularly if it's a habit and your cabinets are lacking in healthy choices. Fortunately, there are lots of wiser healthy snacks that are simple to choose from and will leave you happy both physically and in terms of flavour. It just takes a little planning and preparation. Try keeping the following 10 snacks on hand so that when your tummy grumbles, you can select a nutritious option.
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1. Popcorn
Air-pop some popcorn if you're wanting salt and crunch. This filling snack is not just whole-grain, meaning it contains fibre that promotes satiety and good digestion, but it's also very low in calories (three whole cups have less than 100 calories). And since the kernels are air-popped, you may add whatever flavour you choose in a healthy, non-chemical method. Sprinkle your preferred herbs, spices, or even a little brown sugar, chile pepper, or Parmesan cheese on top of the kernels.
2. Nuts
This nutrient-dense snack may fulfil a salt desire and tide you over until your next meal, whether you choose a combination or a favourite nut. Pistachios are one of the lowest-calorie nuts, with walnuts, almonds, and other nuts offering satisfying protein and fibre as well as heart-healthy advantages. If you're seeking to limit sodium, try bringing a bit of your favourite each morning so it's quick to grab when hunger hits. If you're looking to save sodium, consider unsalted, roasted alternatives.
3. Crackers with Cheese
When you combine cheese with whole-grain crackers, you'll get a boost of protein and fibre that helps keep you satisfied in between meals. This snack is simple to pack since there are numerous separately packaged cheeses and crackers available, and the act of placing cheese on a cracker might fulfil a want for something more substantial than a pre-packaged snack. Cheese also supplies calcium, a vital vitamin that many Americans lack on a daily basis.
4. Butter made from fruits and nuts
You can make a delicious snack out of whatever combination you choose, whether it's banana and peanut butter, apple and almond butter, or any other combination. Because of the nuts' protein and good fats, the mini-meal is satiating; you won't be hungry in an hour as you would if you simply ate the fruit. Pick up individual nut butter portions to take with you on the road, and make sure they just include nuts to avoid sugar and trans fats.
5. Hummus with vegetables
Hummus adds a creamy texture to any vegetable-based snack. The Mediterranean dip is high in protein and heart-healthy fats, and it adds a layer of flavour to veggies. Some hummus manufacturers now sell to-go containers that you can pack in your bag with some tiny carrots or snap peas. Make it simple for yourself by chopping up the veggies at the start of the week or purchasing them pre-cut, so they're ready to eat when you need a snack.
6. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Protein is present in many of these healthy snacks, which keeps you fuller for longer, preventing your stomach from growling again before your next meal. Hard-Boiled eggs are a great snack since you can peel and salt one in less than a minute if you've done the prep work—say, cooking half a dozen at the start of the week. For added flavour, try adding avocado, salsa, or hummus to your egg.
7. Bars of Fruit and Nuts
Browse the grocery store's bar department for a flavour combination you enjoy, whether savoury or sweet, since there are apparently unlimited varieties of protein and fibre bars. Choose one that is made entirely of natural substances (no unpronounceable chemicals). And if you're willing to spend some time in the kitchen, making your own bars is simple—great ones don't take much more than your favourite dried fruit and nuts.
8. Salsa with Chips
If you're vigilant about the quality of your chips and salsa, eating healthy doesn't have to mean giving them up. If you want to avoid fried items, go for mildly salted organic tortilla chips or even a baked brand. Because salsa is composed of tomatoes and other vegetables, it is low in calories and high in nutrients. Choose a salsa containing fruit, such as mango, to boost the nutritional value—and flavor—and make sure you stick to a serving size of chips.
9. Slivers of roasted coconut
Give them a try if you're looking for something salty and sweet. These strips are a pleasant snack, as well as a fantastic addition to trail mix or on top of yoghurt, since they have a chip-like texture and a rich coconut taste. Coconut has several health advantages, and its naturally occurring fat makes it more filling than other dry fruits. Choose a brand with no added oils and just a pinch of salt, if any.
10. Toppings for Organic Yogurt
If you're yearning for something creamy and sweet, unflavored yoghurt is the way to go. Pre-sweetened variants may include up to 20 grammes of sugar per serving, which is unnecessary since you can simply tailor and sweeten the taste yourself for much lower sugar content. For added taste and fibre, try adding some fresh berries or honey. A sprinkling of nuts or seeds, such as chopped walnuts or chia seeds, adds protein, crunch, and heart-healthy fats.
