[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Healthy Treats To Snack On" ids="120670,120671,120672,120673"]
By Mariam Nihal
We already know that diet contributes more to a healthy lifestyle than just physically working out. Having said that, an active lifestyle includes a healthy diet, which requires some serious meal planning. If you live the typical busy lifestyle then chances are you probably skip meals due to lack of time, or due to lack of healthy options you end up snacking on whatever is available. If you are guilty of any of the above, then you need keep some healthy snacks at standby. Keep them in the office; take them for the long car drive or when you're really craving something. If you have low blood sugar, do not overload on sugar or carbs but make a smart choice. Choose snacks that keep your blood sugar level stable instead and use glucose monitoring devices to keep track. Eat food that is high in protein and fiber but low in carbs and sugar. The myth about healthy snacks not being as good as junk food, is just that- a myth. Pack your lunch, keep something for after your work-out. Sometimes a protein shake is not enough and if you think starving yourself is a good idea then you are only fooling yourself. If you do not give in to that scrumptious cake sitting in your fridge by midnight, then you will definitely make an awful choice that week to ruin all the work you put in. Make sure you do not give in to unhealthy habits especially when you don't need to. Here are a few ideas you need to consider. Make a trip to the grocery store and stock up on delicious healthy snacks this weekend.
1. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and all berries are a great source of fiber that help your digestive system. Research published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis reports that flavonoids and other compounds found in berries may help reduce colon cancer risk. Other studies suggest it also lessens the risk of getting Parkinsons disease.
2. Greek yoghurt is lower in lactose and has twice the protein content of regular yogurts. It provides protein, calcium, iodine, and potassium while satisfying your cravings. Mix it up with oats or berries, depending on your cravings.
3. Avocado on a whole-grain toast. Loaded with fiber, avocado can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Avocado also contains more potassium than bananas. Instead of white bread, use a whole-grain toast or light crackers you can find at the local supermarket.
4. Cottage cheese with mixed berries. Cottage cheese is completely protein and the amino acids are used by the body to make new proteins. Low in calories, you can enjoy it with mixed berries for the fruity punch.
5. Hummus with multi-grain crackers or carrots. Mix up your treats and enjoy hummus with carrots or celery sticks. Easy to make, this will keep you full and lessen your cravings.
6. Hard-boiled eggs with bell peppers or whole-grain toast. Hard-boiled eggs are high protein and provide good fats called monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Slice them up with vegetables and enjoy it as a snack or toss them into a salad for a light lunch.
7. Turkey rolls. You can enjoy these with mustard or shredded in a salad if you are focused on a high protein diet.
8. Avocado-lettuce wraps. Instead of bread, use lettuce wraps for less calories and enjoy a scrumptious snack.
9. Popcorn is full of whole grains, fiber and antioxidants. If you feel like you need crisps, then this is the perfect substitute. It tastes great and keeps you full. So munch away, guilt-free.
10. Whole grain English muffin with almond butter. Make smarter choices even with the food you love. Home-baked English muffins can be enjoyed with homemade almond butter with lesser calories and fat. Make sure you eat carbs during the day and avoid them after sunset.
11. Granola- make it at home and store it away in a jar. Packed with nutrients, you can have this with yoghurt, milk or berries. It is commonly consumed by people on the go and those who want a boost in their fiber content. It is a lightweight snack, yet filling and completely satisfying. It reduces cholesterol, helps in cancer prevention as it is a natural antioxidant that boosts the immune system, which stimulates the white blood cells, and can prevent cancer from forming.
