Whether your goal is to lead a healthy lifestyle or to drop pounds and inches, eating snacks that are both healthy and delicious is an important key to your success. Not only do snacks provide your body with energy and prevent you from eating too much at meals, they also increase your metabolism. There are numerous healthy snack choices that taste good.
Apple Slices With Cheese
Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of antioxidants, water and fiber, making them a wise choice if you're looking for healthy snacks. Core a medium apple and slice it. Pair that with a reduced fat mild cheddar cheese wedge or a mozzarella cheese stick. Eat them separately or pair them together for a unique taste. The cheese provides some healthy fat that will help keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. A medium apple and a small wedge of cheese are approximately 110 calories.
Pita Chips
Pita chips are a good choice if you are craving salty chips but don't want to stray from your diet. Homemade pita chips are easy to make. Simply take pita bread and cut it into wedges. Brush them with a mixture of crushed garlic and olive oil. Place the pita wedges on a cookie sheet and bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Serve the chips warm alongside fresh salsa. Pita chips are also sold prepackaged at the supermarket.
Raspberries
Raspberries are naturally sweet and contain ellagic acid, a plant chemical that helps to stall the growth of cancerous tumors, according to the American Cancer Society. Raspberries are also rich in vitamin C and full of fiber, which is important in the prevention of heart disease and the treatment of high cholesterol. A full cup of raspberries contains 8 g of fiber, only 1 g of fat and 60 calories. Raspberries can be eaten plain or used as a topping for cereals, oatmeal or low-fat yogurt.
Peanuts
Peanuts contain unsaturated, or healthy, fats that decrease your risk of contracting heart disease. One ounce of peanuts contains 2 g of fiber, 14 g of unsaturated fat and 166 calories. Peanuts are a snack option that will pick you up in the afternoon or as an after-workout protein treat. Peanuts can be eaten plain or added to salads or yogurt. You can also make a trail mix with peanuts, raisins and dried fruits.
References
- American Cancer Society: Ellagic Acid
- MayoClinic.com: Nuts and Your Heart: Eating Nuts for Heart Health
- "Snack Attack: Quick & Easy Heart-Healthy Snacks"; Elizabeth Monacelli; 2010
- "Healthy Snacks: Low Fat, Low Sugar, Low Sodium"; Susan Hodges; 1994
- "Snacking Habits for Healthy Living"; Jean Storlie; 1997
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