Healthy Snacks to Enhance Your Daily Routine
The snacks we store in our homes play such a crucial role in our overall health and wellness. I can personally attest to this because my partner and I have been through phases where we’ve indulged in the occasional late night M&M’s…but then the occasional turned into a frequent habit. When we transitioned away from indulging in late-night M&M's and other sugary snacks to healthier options, we noticed significant improvements in our energy levels and overall well-being. Initially, our bodies continued to crave those familiar, unhealthy treats, but over time, our cravings shifted towards the healthier choices we were now making regularly.
Understanding Habit Formation and Cravings
Our eating habits and cravings are deeply entrenched behaviors that are not just influenced by immediate choices but also by repeated actions. Scientifically, when we consistently choose healthier foods, our bodies actually begin to prefer them. This change happens because our taste buds and digestion processes start adapting to these foods, and our brain begins to associate them with positive outcomes like better energy levels and improved mood. Essentially, what we regularly consume resets our body's nutritional expectations and cravings.
9 Top Picks for Nutritious Snacking
As someone who has experienced firsthand the benefits of eating healthier snacks, I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorites that not only satisfy those mid-day cravings but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle:
No Sugar Added Greek Yogurt
This is a staple in my fridge. I love enhancing it with mix-ins like peanut butter, blueberries, cinnamon, or protein powder. Sometimes, I freeze it for a delightful, ice cream-like treat.
Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
This is one of my favorite treats to have for a snack. The reason I like these so much as a snack is that it is tasty!- but also has health benefits. Almond are extremely healthy for you, but also can fill you up fast. So even eating these with chocolate, you’re bound to feel full early on so you can stop eating, while still enjoying a tasty indulgence. Almonds are rich in nutrients, providing benefits such as improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and support for healthy brain function. Dark chocolate actually also has some benefits itself (in moderation). Dark chocolate consumption can contribute to heart health by improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Celery (or Apples) with Peanut Butter
This combination offers a satisfying crunch along with a good dose of protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter, making it the perfect snack to stave off hunger between meals.
You can choose between dipping celery or apples into the peanut butter for a snack. I like the celery because celery is almost 95% made up of water, which makes it a low calorie option. Celery juice is also hydrating, low in sugar, and contains vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. Celery juice contains compounds called phytonutrients, which are antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. Antioxidants can help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Apples are good for you too, but will have more calories and natural sugars.
I like this peanut butter because it is SO tasty while also not having additional additives in it. It’s a delicious treat whether with these snacks, on a sandwich or in a protein shake!
Cottage Cheese with Fruits
Cottage cheese is rich in protein and works beautifully with various fruits. Mixing in peaches, blueberries, or pineapple offers a refreshing snack that’s both filling and nutritious. I like to get the Dole Fruit cups with no sugar added because they are purely just the sugars you get from the fruit itself; although tasty, it’s healthier than all the processed added sugars you see in other foods, or the sugar added version of Dole. The best case would be to get the actual fruits and cut them up yourself, but if you’re a busy person like me and want a quick fix-me-up snack to make in less than a couple of minutes with minimal effort, this is it!
These fruit cups are excellent to eat solo or mixed in with the cottage cheese, and an easy solution when you’re needing a quick snack. I recommend this variety pack to give you some options and diversity if you want to change it up, or you can try them each out and decide which fruit cup you like best in it. Personally I like the mandarin oranges the most in it, but everyone is a little different!
Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans
Hear me out. I know it sounds disgusting, but it’s really very tasty. For those who love the crunch of chips but want to avoid the fats and calories, these crunchy alternatives are an excellent choice. They are low carb, Vegan and Keto friendly and they provide fiber while satisfying the need for a crispy texture.
Popcorn
This snacks is great for those looking for volume without a lot of calories. They're perfect for a light snack that doesn’t weigh you down. I love Orville Redenbacher's Naturals Microwave Popcorn because it’s considered a healthy version of popcorn. That’s due to it is made with 100% whole grain popcorn kernels and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup. It’s also lower in calories and fat compared to traditional microwave popcorn options, making it a nutritious snack choice.
Protein Plant-Powered Tortillas:
These are fantastic for a quick snack. I wrap them with honey, peanut butter, or cottage cheese for a delicious and satisfying treat, or put some chicken or deli meat with a thin slice of pepper jack cheese for a delicious and satisfying treat. Sometimes I even eat these alone because it has a good amount of protein in it as is.
These Mission Protein Tortilla Wraps offer several health benefits as they are high in protein and fiber, contributing to feelings of fullness and helping with weight management. Additionally, these wraps are plant-based and made with whole wheat flour, providing essential nutrients and promoting digestive health. They are also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy choice for those looking to improve their overall diet.
100% Plant Based Cereal
These are cereal options that are much healthier than your Trix cereal and Chocolate Rice Krispies. Eat Your Mouth Off cereal offers health benefits through its blend of whole grains, real fruit pieces, and nuts. The part I like best is that is has a whopping 22 grams of protein per serving!
It’s packed with fiber, supports digestive health, while its natural fruit sweetness provides energy without the need for added sugars. The combination of whole grains and nuts also offers sustained energy release, making it an ideal breakfast choice for a balanced start to the day. Also, the fruits contributes essential vitamins and antioxidants.
It’s not going to taste like the cereal you’re used to, but I personally find it a delicious snack, and is also extra good when mixed into the greek yogurt I mentioned earlier in the article!
The Power of Healthy Snack Choices
Opting for healthier snacks is a transformative process. Initially, it might seem like your body still yearns for those less healthy options. However, as you consistently choose healthier snacks, your body and palate adapt, leading to a natural preference for foods that promote your health and energy levels. This shift is not just about reducing calories or cutting out sugar, but about building a lifestyle that enhances your overall vitality and longevity. And the food is delicious too! Specifically the no sugar added greek yogurt mixture tastes when frozen to just having a tasty Ben & Jerry’s ice cream- but feels and tastes SO much better when you know it’s healthier for you.
Conclusion
Revamping your snack choices is an investment in your health and well-being! By mindfully selecting what we bring into our homes and consume daily, we can create an environment that supports our wellness goals. Remember, every snack is a choice about the kind of health and vitality you wish to cultivate. Choose wisely, create better snacking habits and enjoy the benefits of a healthier life!
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