Nutritious snacking is a helpful way to achieve proper nutrition and to avoid weight gain. Healthy snacks should provide fiber and protein to help to sustain energy levels and keep feeling full until the next meal. Having nutritious snacks on hand will make it easy to choose healthy snacks over unhealthy alternatives such as chips or cookies.
Sweet Potato Fries
Slice a couple of sweet potatoes into the shape of fries. Spread the slices of sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the fries with a small amount of sugar and bake them in the oven. The sweet potatoes fries will need to bake for about 20 minutes at 450 degrees. Watch the fries while they are baking to make sure they do not get overcooked. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, potassium, fiber and iron and low in calories. Sweet potato fries are a nutritious snack alternative to regular fries.
Whole Grain Frozen Waffles
Snack on a whole grain frozen waffles. There is a variety of frozen waffles to choose from, but it is important to choose ones that list whole grains as the first ingredient. This will help to increase the nutritional value of the snack. Whole grain waffles will provide a significant amount of fiber and fiber is important for proper digestion and heart health. The Real Simple website suggests using Van's brand multigrain waffles and covering them with fresh berries or fruit preserves to maintain their nutritional value. These waffles will provide about 5 g or protein and 6 g of fiber per serving, making them a nutritious snack. If fresh berries are used as a topping, this will increase the fiber, vitamin and mineral content of the snack.
Grape Tomatoes and Hummus
Hummus is a low fat and high fiber dip or spread that is made from ground chickpeas. It comes in a variety of flavors and consistencies to satisfy different taste buds. Dipping grape tomatoes into hummus will be an easily prepared and nutritious bite size snack. Discovery Health website reports that tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and contain high amounts of lycopene and potassium, which have both been known to ward off some chronic diseases. Dip other vegetables into hummus if tomatoes are not a favorite. Try slices of red peppers or baby carrots.
Blueberry Smoothie with Flax Seed
Make smoothies by blending a package of frozen blueberries. Mix in a cup of soy milk to add about 7 g of protein. Blend a tablespoon of ground flax seed into the smoothie mixture. The addition of flax seed will add omega-3 fatty acid to the smoothie. Omega-3 is an important nutrient to keep the heart healthy. Making the smoothie with blueberries will create a snack rich in fiber and antioxidants.
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