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You’ve been working all day, you’re hungry, and there are so many snacks in the pantry staring back at you. What should you eat? Unfortunately, many of today’s snacks are actually unhealthy and full of sugar or fats that contribute to weight gain and health problems.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Healthy snacking can be just as enjoyable and easy as unhealthy snacking. Check out these healthy snack ideas for perfect nutrition.
Eating healthier does not mean you have to give up on snacking. Many people usually avoid snacks because of being afraid that snacks contribute to weight gain. On the contrary, a healthy snack can offer a lot of health benefits.
They can even be included in weight loss plans. The trick is choosing snacks with about 100 calories and mixing them with healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Snacking can also be an excellent way of curbing cravings and keeping you satisfied between meals.
These lighter and healthier options are perfect ways for you to enjoy your favorite type of treats without having to blow your calorie budget.
Benefits Of Taking Healthy Snacks
Increased Nutrient Intake
Several studies show that healthy snacks can increase the intake of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is recommended that we take healthy snacks with us whenever we go to a place where we cannot find healthy food.
Prevents Overeating
Eating healthy snacks can help keep you from overeating when you have a lot of free time in front of the television or computer. Studies show that people who eat healthy snacks are less likely to overeat because they are not hungry.Keeps Blood Sugar Levels Steady
If you take healthy snacks with you wherever you go, then it will help keep your body properly fueled. Healthy snacking is a healthy alternative to sugary foods like cookies and cakes. It is difficult to overeat foods that contain natural sugars and healthy snacks that are rich in fiber.Better Concentration both at school and work
According to a study that was published in February 2010 in “The Journal of Nutrition”, around 97% of Americans snack thus they get an average of 24%of their calories from the snacks. With snacking providing such huge amounts of the day’s calories, the process of choosing healthy options is very crucial.Healthy Snacks Ideas and Calorie Amount
Chocolate hazelnut bark
Chocolate contains flavonoids and polyphenols; 2 antioxidants that help in preventing damages caused by cholesterol in the arteries.
Calorie amount: Dark chocolate containing nuts provides 139 calories.
Warm cranberry-walnut brie
Sensible snacking helps one to avoid bingeing. Warm, gooey brie normally satisfies the craving for creamy foods. Dried cranberries usually add antioxidants while walnuts contribute a nutty crunch and heart-healthy fats.
Calorie amount: Cranberries, baked brie together with whole-wheat crackers provide the body with 188 calories.
Rosemary Roasted Almonds
Size matters especially with nutrients rich yet calorically dense snacks like almonds. Consuming small amounts of almonds reduces the risks of heart diseases, in addition, the antioxidants contained in almond`s skin play a big role in reducing LDL cholesterol as well as oxidative stress.
Calorie amount: Almonds roasted with spices and oils provide the body with 111 calories.
Pecan almond peanut clusters
In case you cannot make your own snacks then shop wisely. Opt for snacks that have a shorter list of ingredients that you understand well. The snack is slightly sweet and satisfyingly crunchy. It has 7 ingredients: almonds, pecans, peanuts, organic sugar, brown rice syrup, and sea salt.
Calorie amount: one serving of pecan almonds has 177 calories, 75 milligrams of sodium, and 12 grams of ��good’ fat.
Vitatops
This product hit the market in 2008. They help in satisfying cravings for tempting foods.
Calorie amount: A lot of these muffin soft vitatops have about 100 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 4 grams of proteins.
Whole fruit
Fresh fruits are a no-brainer when it comes to healthful snacks. They are great sources of fiber. They also help you to feel fuller for a longer time period.
Calorie amount: Whole fruits such as apples has 133 calories.
Popcorns
In case you need something which satisfies you, saves money while offering a nutritional boost, then make your own pre-portioned snacks. Popcorns have a lot of bulk for their calories thus it helps in filling you. Three and a half cups of popcorn contain the recommended serving of whole grain per day.
Calorie amount: Three and a half cups of popcorn taken daily will provide the body with 100 calories.
Olives
Olives usually deliver a big flavor. The fruit will satisfy salty cravings supplying the body with decent amounts of heart-healthy type of fats.
Calorie amount: One and third ounces of olive served on a daily basis has 110 calories.
Hummus with carrots
This is a popular Middle Eastern treat that can be found in groceries. The snack is a perfect dip for a lot of fresh veggies. They are typically made with chickpeas although they can also be made with black-eyed peas, soybeans, or healthful legumes. 5 grams fillings of fiber mean that you will not go hungry for a while.
Calorie amount: Hummus served together with carrot sticks provides the body with 122 calories.
Edamame
Choosing foods that contain certain nutrients might give you a boost that junk food will not deliver. Folate-rich foods such as edamame may even out moods thus leading to less mood variability among people.
Calorie amount: Shelled edamame will provide the body with 130 calories.
Bagel with peanut butter
Low fats do not necessarily mean low calories. Carbohydrates usually trigger the release of feel-good chemicals. Therefore pick quality carbs such as whole grain (bagel) with fibers that will provide a long-lasting feel good feeling.
Calorie amount: Whole grain bagel served together with peanut butter has 240 calories.
Yogurt
Eating snacks that contain proteins as opposed to carbs can help in curbing hunger thus keeping your daily calories in check. Good options include small low-fat yogurt or an ounce of nuts. Studies have often linked the deficiency of vitamin B12 to depression. Even though it is not an anti-depressant, low-fat yogurt rich in vitamin B12 helps in lifting bad moods.
Calorie amount: 8 ounces of low-fat yogurt has 140 calories.
By slowly incorporating more healthy foods into your diet, you can start making changes in the long run that will benefit your health. Once you get used to eating more of a certain food group, it won’t be so hard to eat those foods daily. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be frustrating. There are so many different options for making good choices in your snacks. Over time you will feel less hungry, have more energy, and even lose weight if you continue to follow the right snacks.
