Living Life Healthy

August 31, 2024| by Kevin Lu|

Whether you’re looking for something to eat during a movie, filling your belly in between meals, or scarfing something down between meetings, snacks are an integral piece of our everyday lives. Snacks are convenient and easily transportable, making them so appealing. But with so many options to choose from, how do you make sure that the snacks you eat aren’t negatively effecting your body? Luckily, there are an abundance of healthy and tasty choices that will satisfy your hunger and fuel your body for your daily activities.

Sweet Snacks

Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruits are rich in nutrients and low in calories. Fruits like oranges and strawberries are high in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. Meanwhile, bananas and mangoes are rich in potassium, which helps prevent cramps and supports bone health. There are a variety of tasty fruits that provide numerous health benefits for your body.

Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek Yogurt is lower in sugar than most yogurts while providing tons of protein and calcium. The abundance of protein and calcium makes Greek Yogurt great for your muscles and bones. If you feel the need to add more flavor, adding fruits and granola pieces keep the yogurt healthy and tasty!

Dark Chocolate (70%+ cocoa): Contrary to what the word ‘chocolate’ might bring to mind, dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage can actually be healthy for you (in moderation). Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Make sure that the chocolate has low added sugars (under 7g per serving) and fats (under 12g per serving) to ensure that the dark chocolate has more benefits for your body.

Savory Snacks

Steamed Edamame: Steamed edamame is high in dietary fiber and contains many vitamins and minerals. This makes steamed edamame good for your bones, digestive system, and immune system. Adding a pinch or two of salt to a bowl of steamed edamame can make it tastier for people who don’t love vegetables.

Roasted Chickpeas: Roasted Chickpeas are high in plant-based protein and rich in fiber. This makes it great for your bodily functions and help to control your cholesterol levels. Chickpeas are also very filling and are a great option for fixing your midday or late-night hunger.

Crackers with Cheese: Choosing whole wheat crackers ensures that you are getting healthy fiber into your body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Adding cheese makes it a great snack, as it contains healthy fats and vitamin D, which help the body absorb calcium more easily.”

Fun to Make Snacks:

Homemade Trail Mix: A homemade trail mix allows you to add your own personal touch to a healthy treat. Nuts, raisins, and dark chocolate are a few examples of what you could add into a homemade trail mix. The ingredients commonly found in a trail mix (nuts and seeds) are high in fiber and protein, keeping you full and helping support your muscle growth.

Smoothie Bowl: In your own smoothie bowl you can add a bunch of your own ingredients based on your personal preferences. Fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are some of the base ingredients in a smoothie bowl. These options provide antioxidants and an abundance of vitamins and nutrients. Avoid adding extra sweeteners or high-calorie toppings to ensure that your smoothie bowl is a healthy option.

DIY Sushi Rolls: When making your own sushi roll, you have control over the ingredients that go inside. You can add fish, avocado, egg, and an assortment of vegetables. These ingredients give you important nutrients to help your body function. The rice in the sushi is a great source of carbohydrates, fueling your muscles and brain. The seaweed (nori) is full of vitamins and fatty acids that help your heart health.

Conclusion

Choosing a snack that is good for you doesn’t mean you have to throw away flavor and enjoyability. There are plenty of options that will satisfy your wants and needs at any point in the day. By incorporating some of these options into your snack arsenal, you can keep yourself healthy and energized throughout the day!