About health snacks: what you need to know

Many of us have a hard time resisting the temptation of snacks, but indulging too often can have negative effects on our health, such as weight gain and other health issues. To combat these risks, it is important to incorporate healthier snack options into our diet. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of healthy snacking and provide some examples of nutritious snack choices.

Boost the nutritional value of your diet

Incorporating healthy snacks into your diet can help boost its overall nutritional value. Nutrient-rich snacks can assist in meeting daily recommended nutrient intake levels, especially for food groups such as fruits and vegetables that are often lacking in our diets.

Manage low blood sugar

Healthy snacks can be particularly beneficial for those who experience low blood sugar. Consuming snacks can help maintain stable blood sugar levels between meals, preventing drastic drops. To achieve this, it is recommended to choose snacks high in fiber and protein that are slow to digest, this is particularly important for individuals with diabetes.

replenish with right post-workout snack

Eating a nutritious snack after physical activity can aid in restoring energy levels and promoting muscle recovery. An ideal post-workout snack should contain a balance of carbohydrates and protein and should be consumed within 15-30 minutes after exercise for optimal results. This healthy approach not only replenishes the body but also helps prevent the consumption of unhealthy foods and undoing the benefits of the workout.

Combat junk food cravings with healthy snacks

Having healthy snacks readily accessible can help reduce the temptation to indulge in unhealthy junk food. Keeping easy, nutritious options on hand can serve as a replacement for unhealthy snacks. It’s important to remember that just because a snack is healthy, it doesn’t mean you can eat large portions of it. Be mindful of portion sizes when consuming healthy snacks.

Here are a few examples of healthy snack options to try:

• Apple with nut butter 
• Grapes and Pistachios
• Celery with nut butter
• Plantain chips and Guacamole
• Carrots and hummus
• smoothie
• Yogurt and fruit 
• Whole grain crackers
• Salted popcorn
• Dark chocolate
• Veggies such as cucumbers
• Chia seed pudding

These are just a few examples, feel free to experiment and create your own healthy snack combinations.