One of the hardest things to do when living a healthy lifestyle is resisting the temptation of unhealthy snacks. The fast pace of modern life often leaves us without the time or energy to make something healthy and junk food is always the easiest option. Just because snacks are convenient doesn’t mean they have to be unhealthy though.
1. Almonds
For something that is healthy, tasty and very filling you can’t go wrong with almonds. These healthy nuts pack a host of health benefits. As long as you don’t overindulge, you’ll find that they can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
2. Baby Carrots With Humus
Tangy, tasty and convenient, this combination is a treat for the taste buds and healthy as well. Carrots provide you with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and more, while humus reduces blood sugar, lowers cholesterol and is just plain tasty!
3. Yogurt With Raspberries And Honey
To take care of those sweet cravings, a mix of raspberries with a bit of honey and plain yogurt will definitely tide you over. Raspberries are a great antioxidant and packed with vitamin C, while yogurt has plenty of calcium and protein.
4. Peanut Butter And Banana
Easy to prepare and delicious, this combination will give you the energy spike you need. Peanut butter is a great source of minerals, fiber and vitamins, while bananas are packed with potassium and magnesium. In addition, bananas help with digestion and can normalize blood sugar levels.
5. Apple And Cheese Slices
Pairing apple with cheese is not only a tasty combination, but also a healthy one. Apples are filling and can help to lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of diabetes, while cheese is a great source of protein and calcium.
6. Avocado With Cottage Cheese
This combination of fruit and dairy is a tasty option for anyone who loves creamy snacks. Not only is the avocado nutritious, but it is also loaded with potassium which can reduce blood pressure. Cottage cheese on the other hand is rich in protein as well as potassium and calcium.
7. Dried Mangoes
Since it is not always possible to have fresh fruit around the house for when you feel like snacking, dried mangoes are a convenient alternative. In addition to being a great source of vitamin A, dried mangoes also contain vitamin E, selenium and calcium. Dried mangoes are a good snack option thanks to their antioxidants, called phenols.
8. Sacha Inchi
The sacha inchi, or “Inca peanut” as it is also sometimes known, is a treat for the taste buds that can be enjoyed without feeling guilty. This is because these nuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and is protein rich. In addition, they are easily digested and because they contain tryptophan, eating them will result in higher serotonin levels to prevent cravings.
9. Edamame
This tasty snack can be enjoyed hot or cold and contains plenty of protein, fiber, omega fatty acids and carbohydrates. In addition, edamame can reduce cholesterol and decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
10. Dark Chocolate
There are times, especially after a bad day, where the only snack that will do is some chocolate. The good news is that you can snack on small amounts of dark chocolate and still reap the benefits. This is because it contains flavonoids and serotonin amongst other things.
11. Whole Grain Crackers
Whole grain crackers are a nice alternative to fried chips while still delivering a crunchy treat. Since they contain plenty of dietary fiber, they will not only satisfy your snack cravings, but also improve your blood cholesterol levels.
12. Popcorn
Popcorn can be a healthy snack provided you don’t drown it in butter, salt or other unhealthy toppings. Instead, enjoy the popcorn plain with a dash of sea salt and seasoning.
13. Wasabi Peas
This tasty snack is crunchy and features a mixture of salty and spicy flavors. It is made from wasabi seasoning and dehydrated peas, which means it delivers on fiber and protein.
14. Kale Chips
As long as you avoid the grocery store variety of kale chips that add fats and salt, you’ll find this snack to be healthy and filling. It contains calcium, protein, iron and dietary fiber amongst other things.
15. Peanut Butter Coated Celery
Another snack that is quick to prepare and very healthy as well as quite tasty is celery coated with peanut butter. Celery is not only high in vitamin C, but also very filling. Adding peanut butter makes it even more delectable.
