Your body deserves to be nourished. What you choose to eat is an important component of self-care.
Regular meals only make up one portion of your daily calorie intake. Snacking can stave off hunger at those times in between meals. A snack mid-morning and in the afternoon keeps your metabolism working the way it should. Therefore, you should consider healthy options that taste good while giving your body quality fuel.
Here are seven healthy snack options that you should include in your diet.
Find Your Favorite Yogurt
Consider yogurt as a go-to snack every day. It is a good source of vitamins and calcium, giving you a better alternative than taking supplements. Also, yogurt contains probiotics, supplying the body with a healthy source of bacteria that can improve digestion.
Yogurt also contains protein which can build up your muscles. Go with Greek yogurt for a higher source of protein while also cutting back on carbohydrates and sugar. Add fresh fruit to jazz up your favorite flavors.
Grab the Popcorn
You can’t go wrong with popcorn when you want to feel full. Always choose plain popcorn of the microwave variety or air pop it from kernels. Skip the butter to keep down the calorie count. You can eat as many as four cups in a serving.
Break out the salsa to spice it up or add seasoning. A little chili powder or sea salt will make it pop.
Pop the popcorn ahead of time and divvy it up in snack bags for something to grab on the go.
When you eat popcorn an hour before dinner, it will help you to avoid overeating during your meal. Plain popcorn is also a great alternative for an evening snack when trying to avoid sweets.
Go with Granola
Granola is a top pick for health enthusiasts. It’s a blend of rolled oats that is enhanced with honey and nuts. Granola with dried fruit such as apples, raspberries, or blueberries, offer you tasty alternatives.
Toss a third of a cup in a container or bag. When you feel like munching, it has a high enough fiber content to satisfy you. It also contains protein. In addition, a quality brand of granola can benefit your heart health by lowering your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Break Out the Hummus
Hummus is a popular spread that originated in the Middle East. It’s made from a blend of chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, and tahini. It’s a great substitute for a dip when you’re looking for something bursting with flavor.
Steer clear of the excess calories that come from chips or crackers. Pair your top pick in hummus with a medley of fresh-cut vegetables to make them pop.
Don’t Forget the Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a rich source of amino acids, protein, and fatty acids. However, it is high in calories and both types of fat.
Limit your serving size to two tablespoons. Break it up with one tablespoon early in the day and one later on.
Smear it on apples to get more fiber in your diet. You can also choose bananas or crunchy vegetables. It will make you feel so satisfied you won’t want to splurge on an unhealthy alternative.
Pop an Egg
Eggs had a bad rap in the past due to their cholesterol content. The tides have turned as researchers find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Eggs contain amino acids, nutrients, and vitamins, and are high in protein.
How eggs are prepared is important. They’re best when hardboiled or cooked without butter. Try a hardboiled egg when hunger pangs hit. It will fill the gap until the next meal.
Experiment with Avocado
Avocado is a plus if you are looking for a healthy source of fat and fiber. You can eat it all by itself if you enjoy the taste.
It’s also good when mashed on toast. Add a scrambled egg or tomatoes to a multi-grain bread to give your body more of a boost.
Conclusion
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. The next time you want a snack, change it up. Instead of grabbing a piece of fruit or some chopped-up vegetables, try something different every day. You might like what the scale has to say the next time you weigh yourself. There’s a good chance you’ll have better results at your next checkup as well.
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