Snacks are a pleasant way to take a break from a busy day, a necessity for those who have trouble with their blood sugar, and can keep you going until the next meal.
Most of us need snacks that require almost no time to prepare. Unfortunately, many quick and easy snacks are void of nutrition and quite a few are downright dangerous.
Tweaking your snacking routine will help to keep your blood sugar stable, take care of your hunger and promote good health.
Many snack foods are high in carbohydrates, sugars and artificial ingredients. While these snacks are quick and often inexpensive, the energy they give you does not last. Regular consumption of these kinds of snacks over the course of years can lead to all sorts of health problems including heart disease, diabetes and weight gain.
Take a minute to check the ingredient list on prepackaged snacks. If the lists includes a number of words you can’t pronounce, find something else! If the first ingredient is sugar or high fructose corn syrup, keep looking!
Nuts
Nuts seasoned with only sea salt are a great option. Nuts can be found virtually anywhere you would buy a snack, including gas stations!
If you need some variety, try a trail mix.
Fruit
An apple or banana may not be glamorous but they make a simple and nutrient dense snack.
Mandarin oranges are easy to pack, easy to peel and easy to eat without making a mess. These will calm your sweet tooth without the processed sugar of a candy bar or snack cake.
Frozen grapes are a refreshing snack, you just have to think ahead to make sure they are frozen by break time!
If you need a more filling fruit, try an avocado. Avocados are amazing snacks. Add a bit of salt and chili powder for some extra flavor.
Dried fruits like raisins, prunes and cherries are another great fruit option. Because it is easy to get more calories than you intended with dried fruits, if your dried fruit does not come in single serving packages, make you own single serving packages. Get small snack bags and portion out a week’s worth of snacks.
Vegetables
If you have the munchies, try carrots and salsa or celery and peanut butter instead of potato chips. This will gratify your need to chew and give you some nutrients to keep on going.
Dairy
Yogurt or milk kefir will fulfill hunger and your probiotic requirements all at once! Check labels, though to avoid artificial color, artificial sweetener and high fructose corn syrup.
Cubes of cheese or a stick of mozzarella cheese are another satiating option.
Be proactive about your snacks. You will be more productive and feel better both now and later!
What healthy snacks do you love? Please send us some feedback!
