The desire for a snack is something that many of us experience throughout the day. But with our busy lives, it can be hard to know how to snack smart and healthy. Sure, you know that chips aren’t the most nutritious option, but what are? Search no more for answers to your snacking woes, because this article is here to provide you with an easy-to-follow guide to nutritious and delicious snacks – so that you can snack smart and stay healthy!
Table of Contents
- 1. Tasty and Nutritious Snacking: A Guide
- 2. Unlocking the Benefits of Healthy Snacks
- 3. Snack Smarter with Healthy Swaps
- 4. Making Snacking Fun and Flavorful
- Q&A
1. Tasty and Nutritious Snacking: A Guide
Snacking is a brilliant way to get a little pick-me-up and a nutritious snack can make all the difference amidst your busy day-to-day life. So, to help you get the most out of your snacking endeavors, we’ve gathered some of our favorite tasty and nutritious snacks to get you going.
Ancient Grains: Ancient grains like quinoa, amaranth, kamut, teff, spelt, and einkorn have made a massive comeback. Add to salads, mix with yoghurt, or warm up with vegetables to make delicious frittatas and other creations — these grains are full of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your spirits high.
Seaweed Snacks: Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, seaweed snacks are an ideal superfood snack. Easy to take with you on the go, try them on their own or mixed with other snacks for a delicious medley of munchables.
Nuts & Seeds: Nuts and seeds are packed with essential vitamins and minerals and, when eaten in moderation, can offer a great boost of energy and nutrition. Choose from favorites like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Some of our favorite snacks include:
- Nuts & Seeds Trail Mix
- Hummus & Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Tahini & Flaxseed Crackers
- Pistachio-Mint Energy Balls
Fruit: Fruits are a wonderfully refreshing and delicious option for snacking. Dry or fresh fruits are an endless source of nutrients and nibbling on some of your favorite varieties can be a great way to break up your day. Our top five favorites for snacking are: apples, oranges, pears, bananas, and pineapple.
2. Unlocking the Benefits of Healthy Snacks
Fuelled by healthy habits, eating the right kinds of snacks can be the difference between an afternoon slump and an afternoon full of productivity. Here are just a few of the benefits of eating healthy snacks:
- More Energy – Incorporate healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, and oats into your daily routine to ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs to keep your energy levels consistent throughout the day.
- Healthier Diet – Swapping the traditional chips and cookies for low-calorie, whole-grain snacks like veggie chips, popcorn, and crackers helps you to keep your grocery list full of wholesome food.
Other perks of eating a healthy balanced diet include:
- Increased Metabolism – Eating healthy snacks full of vitamins and minerals regularly, will help to naturally boost your metabolism, making it easier to burn calories with every bite.
- Help You Reach Your Goals – Eating healthy snacks throughout the day is essential to help you reach your desired goals. Healthy snacks keep you full and energised, so that you can stick to your diet plan more easily.
By incorporating healthy snacks into your daily routine, you can unlock the many benefits that come along with it. Including more nutrient-rich foods into your diet can help to supply your body with the balanced diet it needs and deserves.
3. Snack Smarter with Healthy Swaps
When you want to grab a snack, it’s all too easy to reach for that convenient and delicious looking packet of chips. But if you want to have high energy levels throughout the day, you should be snacking smarter.
Luckily, there are plenty of healthy snack options you can choose from. All you need to do is switch out your snacks for healthier alternatives. Here are some great snack swaps you should try:
- Reach for fresh fruit instead of cookies
- Go for a handful of nuts instead of candy
- Enjoy a bowl of yogurt with some granola instead of chips
- Try air-popped popcorn over potato chips
Going for healthier swaps doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the deliciousness. Why not opt for ingredients that have both taste and nutrition, like natural nut butters, dried fruits and grain fed jerky? It’s the perfect way to indulge while looking after your body.
It’s easy to snack smarter when you have the right options. Sate your cravings while giving yourself the nutrients needed to keep you feeling energised and looking fabulous. Reap the rewards of healthy snack swaps!
4. Making Snacking Fun and Flavorful
Dietary restrictions and personal preferences can make snack time difficult. But no matter what you can or cannot eat, there’s always something tasty and energizing that you can enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Giving Regular Snacks a Makeover
Transform your regular snacks into something special with a few simple ingredients. Chips can be a plain and uninspiring option, but you can switching them up by spicing them with some herbs, spreading on some guacamole, or topping them with a sprinkle of cheese. Or if you’re frequently reaching for the same bar, ditch the bar and opt for a handful of nuts and dried fruits with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Making Smoothies and Milkshakes
A smoothie can be a great way to get your necessary vitamins and minerals. Add some frozen fruit, greens, nuts, and whatever else you need, blend it all together, and you’ve got a yummy treat that’s good for your health. And just because it’s a snack doesn’t mean you can’t indulge: try making a milkshake with your favorite flavor of ice cream and some toppings.
Getting Creative with Dips
Dips are a great way to add flavor and texture to your favorite snacks. For those who don’t eat dairy, there are now many delicious nut-based dips you can make. Or, experiment with something new – make a nut wheat cracker topped with a houmous, avocado, and beetroot dip. Add some spices and serve with a wedge of lime on the side. Yum!
Choosing Sweet Treats
A little bit of sweetness now and again is a great way to boost your energy levels. Look for healthy options that contain natural sugars and free of added preservatives. Dark chocolate is a great option, or why not make your own little cookies with coconut and oat flour. You can also add fresh or dried fruit to help sweeten your treats.
Q&A
Q1: What are the benefits of eating healthy snacks?
A1: Healthy snacks are a great way to maintain good energy levels throughout the day, provide essential nutrients, and reduce cravings for sugary or salty processed snacks. Eating healthy snacks can also help support a healthy weight and reduce the risk of specific chronic diseases.
Q2: What are some good snacks to eat?
A2: Many tasty snacks can also be nutritional, with lots of protein, fiber, and vitamins to keep your body energized and properly fueled. Some great options include hummus and vegetable sticks, nut or seed-based trail mixes, fresh or dried fruit, yogurt with granola, and hard-boiled eggs.
Q3: What do you suggest to make snacking easier and healthier?
A3: To make snacking easier and healthier, it’s helpful to plan ahead. Choose snacks that are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and that provide lasting energy. You can also portion snacks into individual servings, or buy pre-portioned snacks like single-serving nut packets or fruit cups.
By making the right smart & healthy snacking choices, you can end mindless munching and instead enjoy snacks that fill you up, nourish your body, and ultimately lead to happier and healthier you!
