People often find it difficult to know what to eat for a snack and even make an intentional effort to not eat snacks as they think this adds unnecessary calories into their diet. However, ensuring that your body is fueled throughout the day is key to maintaining a high metabolism and burning that unwanted fat.
There are a wide range of healthy snacks that you can eat, many with their own unique benefits. However, just because something may be healthy, it doesn’t mean you can just gorge yourself! It all comes back to the cliché of having a balanced diet and eating in moderation.
Below are just a few or the many things that you can eat to keep your body ticking over between meals!
12 Quick & Healthy Snack Ideas
#1 Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are made using brown rice, which consists of satiating fibre and phytochemicals. They're fat-free and low in calories, making them a great on-the-go snack!
However, they're not rich sources of other nutrients -
? Try topping them with your favourite nut butter or protein spread to increase the nutritional value!
#2 Frozen Grapes
Unlike strawberries, grapes don't become rock solid when frozen, they're firm but still easy to bite into with a creamy consistency.
? Simply spread whole grapes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and store in an airtight zip-top bag.
#3 Popcorn
Cinema popcorn may be a nutrition nightmare, but plain microwave popcorn is actually a pretty good pick.
? Popcorn is a whole grain, and it's literally puffed up with air so it makes you feel full without too many calories!
#4 Celery
Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K and molybdenum. It is a source of folate, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and pantothenic acid.
? Celery is also a good source of vitamin B2, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A.
#5 Apricots
Apricots are not only deliciously sweet, but they're also an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C, copper, dietary fiber, and potassium.
? Apricots also consist of soluble fiber which can help aid digestion function!
#6 Strawberries
/Blueberries
Strawberries are filled with phytonutrients and antioxidants that are good to the body they also have vitamin C which is good for our immune system.
? Antioxidants can that helps protect your body's cellular structure.
#7 Plain Greek Yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is one of those foods that contradicts the saying "if it tastes good, it must be bad for you." The yoghurt is heavily strained to remove liquid whey and lactose, leaving behind a tangy, creamy product.
? Plain Greek yoghurt has roughly double the protein, half the carbs and half the sodium of the regular variety! (0% fat.)
#8 Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein, simple to prepare and each one only has about 76 calories.
? Eggs are also very nutritious. They don’t just contain fat (egg yolk) and protein (egg white - around 6g protein per egg) - they contain a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals!
#9 Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese contains a high proportion of casein, the slow-digesting dairy protein. When casein is consumed, your blood amino acid levels rise slowly and stay elevated for longer.
? Cottage cheese also contains live cultures—also known as good bacteria—that will help you break down and absorb all the nutrients you need.
#10 Protein Bars
A great snack for those on-the-go. Simply throw in your gym bag or handbag! Protein bars come in various forms, high carb, meal replacements, low calorie to name a few.
? This can significantly increase your daily protein intake!
#11 Protein Shakes
Protein powders, such as Whey Protein, contain an incredible range of quick-absorbing essential amino acids, which not only help with muscle recovery post-workout, but also satiation - therefore filling you up for longer!
? Whey protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass - and more muscle mass = more calories burned at a resting state!
#12 Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it could be said to be one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
If you buy quality dark chocolate (with at least 70-85% cocoa content), then it is actually quite nutritious. It contains a good amount of soluble fiber and minerals!
Take Home Message
Don't panic! If you're trying to lose weight - or just stop snacking from the vending machine - there are plenty of healthier snack options.
Keep it simple with a handful of blueberries or indulge in a pot of Greek yoghurt with crumbled-up dark chocolate and throw in an oatcake for a bit of crunch!
Coconpure Coconut OilOur articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
