Healthy snacking is an important part of a balanced diet because doing so provides nutrients and keeps you from getting too hungry between meals, reducing the chances of a binge the next time you eat, reports MayoClinic.com. However, it is important to choose snacks that are rich in nutrients, while being low in fat and calories so that they will fit well into a healthy eating plan. In addition, it is vital to stick to one serving of a snack food to prevent eating more calories than you can burn.
Yogurt
Eating yogurt for a snack will fuel your body until the next meal and is also high in calcium and protein, according to MayoClinic.com. These nutrients are important for healthy bones and muscles. Choosing low-fat versions that are also low in sugar is important for keeping calorie and fat content at an amount that fits well into a healthy eating plan. Those yogurts that contain added sugars are ones to avoid. Topping a portion of yogurt with some fresh fruit will increase nutrient intake, but won't add a large amount of calories. Peach slices, berries and melon are fruits that go well with yogurt. Plain yogurt can be naturally sweetened with fruit and a drizzle of honey to further reduce sugar content.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a snack that is high in protein, but low in fat and calories. While some brands are high in preservatives and additives, there are several that are not, reports the Huffington Post. These will be ones that do not contain nitrites, added salt or MSG. Some beef jerky manufacturers make their products from grain-fed and hormone-free beef, making a protein-packed snack good for people who are trying to lose weight. Protein is important for hair and skin health and a package of natural beef jerky is a good choice for getting this nutrient.
Nuts
According to MayoClinic.com, a handful of nuts at snack time supplies a good dose of protein, which keeps you feeling full until it is time to eat again. In addition, nuts are a good source of heart healthy fats that help keep your cholesterol within a healthy range. Good choices include almonds, peanuts, cashews and walnuts. Nuts can also be added to a batch of trail mix, sprinkled over cereal or yogurt or used to prepare baked goods. While the fat in nuts is the healthy kind, it is still important to watch portion size to be sure you are consuming a healthy amount of calories between meals.
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