How to Choose Healthy Snacks

Even if you are not big on eating but you at least need to have snacks there and there during the way to keep your body nutritional. Most people like to eat snacks—sometimes out of habit or boredom, and sometimes because of real hunger. If you’re snacking because you’re bored, call a friend or go for a walk. But if you’re hungry, choose a snack that’s nutritious. A snack can be a big calorie blow-out if you choose a large bowl of ice cream or a bag of greasy chips. But a snack can also be an easy way to answer your hunger and close nutrient gaps.

Try These Healthy Snack Ideas

A snack can be a good source of nutrition if you choose wisely. Eating fruits, vegetables, or whole grain crackers, for example, can add plenty of nutrients and fiber.

Think of your snack as a mini-meal. Keep it balanced by choosing a little protein, a bit of healthful fat, and some carbohydrates, like you’d get when pairing a whole grain, a vegetable or fruit, and nuts or nut butter.

Remember that a snack should be small—just a little something to get you to your next meal. When snacks get too big, you run the risk of consuming too many calories. Choosing small portions helps prevent over-eating. Try these options:

Spread peanut butter on six whole grain crackers and serve with one ounce of cheese (about the size of a pair of dice).

Cut an apple into bite-size chunks and add them to one-half cup cottage cheese. Sprinkle one tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (and a little honey if you like sweetness).

Slice a whole grain pita into six wedges and serve with hummus and a handful of fresh berries on the side.

Pair a sliced apple or pear or some fresh grapes with whole grain crackers and a few thin slices of cheese.

Combine one cup plain low-fat yogurt with one-half cup blueberries or strawberry slices, and one-quarter cup chopped walnuts or almonds. Add just enough honey to suit your taste.

Spread almond butter on a piece of whole wheat toast and add a spoonful of 100% fruit spread. Serve with a glass of non-fat milk.

Serve olives and marinated red peppers with a piece of warm whole grain bread.

Bake your own tortilla chips and serve them with a chunky mango-black bean salsa.

Make a bowl of hot steel cut oatmeal and serve with a sliced banana, one-half cup berries, and a splash of milk or almond milk. Add a drizzle of honey and a few sliced almonds.

Toss up a small salad with spinach leaves, broccoli florets, tomato slices, one-quarter cup shredded cheese, and one tablespoon of your favourite dressing.

Use a high-speed blender to create smoothies, juices, and soups with fresh fruits and vegetables.

The post How to Choose Healthy Snacks appeared first on Entertainment SA - South African Entertainment News, Celebrity and Lifestyle Online Magazine & Entertainment.