Snacking is common these days, and options are everywhere. Unfortunately, these options are usually processed snacks that are unhealthy for our bodies. They also don’t provide sustained energy to get us through to the next meal. As a result, we consume more and more of the bad stuff because it’s the easiest thing to do.
Finding healthier ways to snack takes a commitment as well as experimentation. Not everyone likes the same things, and not everyone needs the same amounts. Take time to figure out what it is you will stick with and get started.
Before you know it, snacking healthier will become like second nature. Whether your goal is weight loss, energy gains, or overall good health, these five top ways to start snacking healthier will get you well on your way.
Replace Unhealthy Snacks with Nutritious Nuts
One of the simplest and quickest ways to start snacking healthier is to replace those chips and other processed foods with a handful of nuts. While nuts were once thought of as only fattening, they now are known to provide value to your health.
Nuts consist of protein, fiber, and also healthy fat. Eaten in moderation, they can serve as healthy snacks throughout your day. Unsalted nuts are preferred, and these can include peanuts, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, and others as well. Be sure to keep your portions small; a handful is generally recommended.
If you don’t like eating the nuts themselves because they are too hard to chew or digest, consider adding nut butters as snacks, such as a tablespoon of almond butter.
Prepare Snacks for On the Go
When you feel that slight pang of hunger while at work or out somewhere else, do you head for the closest vending machine or fast food restaurant? If so, next time, consider preparing snacks at home ahead of time and taking them with you. That way, you can be sure your snacks are healthy.
Ideas for snacks to take with you include:
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Frozen grapes, for a sweet treat
- Yogurt
- Whole-grain crackers
- Whole-grain cereal (e.g., frosted shredded wheat cereal squares)
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits
The goal is not to stop snacking all together, but to provide better, healthier options for your body.
Roast Your Own Snacks
Putting in a little work now for a snack later will pay off in more ways than one. You will have something nutritious to solve your hunger and boost your energy, and your body’s overall health will benefit.
A few things you can roast in your oven include edamame, chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds. These options are especially good for those allergic to nuts.
For example, you can take a bag of frozen edamame and mix them with a bit of olive oil and preferred spices (salt, pepper chili powder, etc.)
Next, place them in the oven for 30-40 minutes. Be sure to set your timer or make sure you have a smart smoke detector\ to alert you if left in too long. Even if you don’t usually like these in their natural form, roasting turns them into a crunchy snack you won’t be able to resist. They taste so good you’ll forget they’re even healthy.
Combine High and Low-Calorie Snacks
If you like a little more variety in your snacks, consider combining high and low-calorie snacks together. This will satisfy your hunger and provide you with an increase in energy to sustain you until your next meal.
High-Low combination snack examples include almond butter with apple slices and hummus with carrot sticks. Be Mindful About Your Snacking Do you snack out of boredom, or are you more of an impulse eater? Being more mindful of why it is you snack, and how much you snack can be beneficial to your health.
Instead of grabbing that snack and eating quickly as you multi-task, set a few minutes aside to do nothing but enjoy your healthy snack. This will keep you focused not only on what you eat and how much but will remind you of the healthy nutrition you are feeding your body. There are many ways to go about mindful eating. Find the ones that work best for you
Now is the best time to start your healthier snacking. Find the ones that appeal to you the most, then add others as you go along. Keep these healthy snacks on hand, at home and when you’re on the go. Soon you won’t want anything but healthy snacks to fill your day.
