Did you know healthy snacks can help your diet? Studies have proven time and time again that starvation diets don’t work for the long term. Snacking can play an important role in an effective weight loss diet. Eating between meals can keep your metabolism supercharged and make you less likely to overeat when lunch and dinner roll around. The key is to choose a healthy snack like any of the following treats:
1. Avocado Boat
This delicious snack is fun to eat and packed with protein to burn fat and fiber to promote a healthy digestive system. It also provides a dose of calcium, which has been shown in studies to assist with weight loss. Best of all, it’s easy to make. Just slice an avocado in half, remove the pit and fill the opening in one half with 2 ounces of 1% fat cottage cheese. Wrap up the other half to use for dinner or enjoy tomorrow.
2. Easy Edamame
Boiled soy beans or edamame is a protein and fiber-rich snack that is very satisfying. Soy is believed to help lower cholesterol, making the tasty beans healthy for your heart, too. Season 1 cup of warm or cold whole edamame pods with a pinch of sea salt, crack them open and enjoy.
3. The Perfect Protein Bar
A protein bar can be a quick, healthy snack that is easy to eat on the go, but be careful–they’re not all created equal from a health standpoint. Choose wisely by selecting a bar with less than 200 calories and at least 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Varieties that are low in sugar and made from natural ingredients make the most nutritious snacks.
4. Hummus Duo
Satisfy your craving for something crunchy with 1/4 cup homemade or prepared hummus with four celery sticks and four carrot sticks. You’ll get a heaping helping of vitamins and minerals plus protein, fiber and essential fatty acids.
More Healthy Snacks
5. DIY Flavored Popcorn
When movie night makes you yearn for popcorn, skip the flavored store-bought stuff that is packed with chemicals and prepare your own tasty version. Sprinkle 3 cups of air-popped popcorn with dark chocolate savings, ground cinnamon or chili powder for a delectable evening snack that won’t destroy your diet.
6. Buttered Apples
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but a plain old apple might not do much to get your mouth watering. Make the healthy fruit more pleasing to the palate by spreading 1 to 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter onto the slices. Adding the nut butter brings richness and creaminess that complements the crunchy, juiciness of the apple and gives you the benefits of protein, healthy fat and an array of nutrients.
7. Almonds Duo
When you’re looking for something quick to munch, take a handful of almonds and mix with a handful of tart dried cherries or blueberries. Nibble away guilt-free; you’ll be treating your body to protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats with this easy-to-prepare snack.
These seven tasty ideas are certain to expand the healthy snacks within your repertoire. You can add more variety to your snack times with a snack subscription box that features healthy foods.