We all want to eat healthier, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing deliciousness or taste! Smart snacking is actually totally achievable, with healthy and delicious options that can satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to enjoy healthy, nutritious snacks that still taste great!
1. Eat Smart and Satisfy Cravings with Healthy Snacking
Snacking on healthy food can be more exciting than reaching for the nearest bag of potato chips. In recent years, plant-based snacks have helped many explore the world of healthy snack options that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Here are some smart ways to satisfy cravings with tasty snacks.
Trail Mixes
If you’re in the mood for a crunchy snack, trail mixes can be an excellent choice. Create your own mix with your favourite raw nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. For extra flavor, try adding dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or amazing spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a bit of sweetness.
Salads and Wraps
Salads and wraps make awesome snacks, providing an abundance of energy and fuel for the day. For a high-protein snack, whip up an egg-salad wrap with diced avocado, cucumbers, red onions, garlic, and a few tablespoons of the oil of your choice. Plus, feel free to add different vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs to your wrap or salad for extra flavor.
Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls work great as a wholesome snack. Simply blend your favorite fruit or vegetables with yogurt or a plant-based milk for a delicious treat. For a more indulgent flavor, mix frozen banana, almond butter, and some cacao or cocoa powder.
Homemade Cookies and Bars
Who says a healthy snack has to be boring? Homemade cookies and bars provide the perfect balance of sweetness and are also nutritious. Delicious recipes such as banana-oat bars, protein balls and applesauce-coconut oatmeal cookies can be just as satisfying as regular cookies. Plus, it’s much easier and healthier to make these goodies from scratch than it is to buy them.
Try incorporating and experimenting with these healthy snacks ideas instead of choosing pre-packaged snacks. With a little creativity and planning, you can come up with plenty of nutritious and delicious snacks without sacrificing the taste.
2. A Delicious Selection of Healthy Snack Ideas
Healthy snacks can make all the difference to your physical and mental well-being. But, how do you know which snacks to reach for? From delicious protein-packed snacks to tasty vegan snacks, here’s a selection that rivals the best sweet treats.
Nuts and Seeds are excellent savoury snacks that are full of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, plus they’re naturally low in sugars.
- Pistachio, cashew, flaxseed, macadamia, and almond butters are a great snack when spread on whole-grain toast.
- An easy trail mix made from mixed nuts, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and dried cranberries is a great snack option when you’re on the go.
Hummus is a great dip for crunchy vegetables such as carrots, kale, and celery, and is also delicious spread over a burrito or wrap. And if you’re looking to change your routine, why not try white bean, edamame or even sweet potato hummus?
Fruits and Bites such as oranges, apples, kiwis, and grapes are all yummy and share a common trait — namely, they’re all rich in Vitamin C. Whether you’re munching on dried apples or dates, instant freeze-dried fruits or fresh berries, there’s no end to the possibilities. You can also find delicious, dried fruit snacks in packs that are perfect for on-the-go.
Yogurt is a great snack for people of all ages and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways — add your favourite fruits, a sprinkle of granola, or some crunchy nuts for added texture. Fruit-flavoured yogurts are also fantastic for a touch of sweetness.
3. Feeling Satisfied with Smart Snacking Choices
The Power of Smart Snacking
If you’re like most people, snacking is a way of life! Whether it’s an afternoon pick-me-up, a social gathering with friends, or a treat for the kids—snacking is a great way to enjoy life’s little moments. But too often we forget to make smart snack choices; we grab something unhealthy, and suddenly our snack packs a powerful punch, in the wrong direction.
We don’t need to feel deprived or guilty about snacks; making smart snack choices can actually bring us a great deal of satisfaction. Here’s how you do it:
- Fill up on fiber. Reach for fruits or vegetables, and make sure that at least half your snack has some fiber. Fiber aids weight loss, improves digestion, and helps with diabetes management.
- Fatten it up with fat. Eating healthy fats is the key to snacking that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olives can help control your hunger and cravings, and make your snacks more enjoyable.
- Boost the protein. Protein plays an important role in weight management, and it also helps with muscle building. Add some protein to your snacks with nuts, beans, Greek yogurt, eggs, or cheese.
- Choose the right portion. This one might sound like a no-brainer: the smaller the portion, the better it is for you. And if you’re feeling satisfied with a snack, you’re more likely to stick to your healthy eating plan!
Think of snacking as an opportunity to nourish your body; it’s a chance to provide it with the fuel it needs to help you look and feel your best. And by making smart snacking choices, you’ll be on your way to a healthier you.
As with any food choice, selecting the most nutritious snacks is key. Reach for options that are low in sugar, power-packed with vitamins and minerals, and most importantly: absolutely delicious! Not sure where to start? Look for pre-packaged snacks that list wholesome ingredients on the label. Or try making your own snacks at home.
So, don’t feel guilty about snacking, instead think of it as an enjoyable part of your healthy lifestyle. With smart snacking choices, you can stay satisfied and still maintain a healthy diet.
4. Strategizing for Healthy Snacking Success
Planning ahead
It takes time and energy to create a plan for healthy snacking, but it can be well worth the effort. Planning ahead for snacking can save time and money and can also help maintain a nutrition-focused lifestyle.
When creating a snacking plan, start by making a list of snack ideas. Then, set a budget for food and make sure to prioritize the nutritious snacks that are within it. Additionally, be sure to check food labels for any allergens to avoid and for nutritional information such as sodium, fiber, and added sugar.
Stocking up
When it comes to snacking, convenience is key. Pre-portioning snacks ahead of time can help satisfy cravings while keeping health a priority. Shopping for healthy snacks need not be expensive—fruits and vegetables often come in bulk at a lower cost. Some nutritious food sources you may want to consider stocking up on include:
- Nuts and seeds
- Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
- Natural peanut butter
- Yogurt (regular or plant-based)
- Popcorn
- Dark chocolate
If time allows, consider doing some food prep and pre-portion snacks ahead of time into containers or reusable zip-top bags. This simple task saves time and reduces the risk of overeating.
Making snacking fun
It is possible to enjoy food while aiming for a nutritious lifestyle. You can make healthy snacks more enjoyable by customizing them with fresh herbs and spices or even make your own healthy versions of store-bought treats.
You can also add a bit of excitement to snack time by getting creative with presentation. For instance, making a veggie platter and arranging it on a cutting board or a plate can be a fun and aesthetically pleasing way to enjoy snacks.
By having nutritionally-balanced snacks planned out and readily available, anyone can make snacking a healthy and enjoyable part of their day.
Even though snacking can be a challenge to navigate, with the right research and preparation, smart snacking is achievable. Enjoy your nutritious snacks and have a happy eat!