Need Some Snack Alternatives? Here You Go
We can all use some ideas for snack alternatives considering snacking is one of the main downfalls of many diets – it’s easy to forget about the tiny snacks you eat throughout the day but they really add up! Try these awesome, healthy snack alternatives from our guest author!
Our Favorite Snack Alternatives
So you’ve spent hours at the gym for weeks on end with no results. You hop on the scale and you haven’t lost a pound. One of the basic elements of losing weight and changing your lifestyle is eating healthy.
Most nutritionists recommend eating at least five times a day. While this may seem like a lot, each meal should be about the size of your fist and include a healthy balance of different types of food.
If you’re having trouble with deciding what types of food to eat in between your main meals, consider the following list of healthy snack alternatives:
1. Greek Yogurt
A serving of Greek yogurt is perfect for a mid-morning snack. They are low in calories and can easily fill you up. Consider buying Greek yogurt that doesn’t come with flavor. You can then add blueberries and cranberries to the mix to enhance the flavor while staying away from sugars.
2. Roasted Seaweed
While it might take a little while to get used to, roasted seaweed is a tasty snack that you can take anywhere. They normally come in small plastic containers and often cost less than a dollar at your local organic foods store.
The best part about roasted seaweed is that each package only contains 16 calories. This makes it an ideal partner food for other healthy snack items.
3. Avocado With an Apple
Avocado is one of the best food items for your heart. It helps reduce cholesterol and decreases your risk of getting heart disease. Combine avocados with apples and you have one awesome snack. Slice both items and eat them both before dinner.
4. Fitness Bars
If you’re in a hurry, grab a couple of fitness bars for the car or put them in your purse (check their sugar content first). Fitness bars are a great source of protein and, depending on the brand, are made with at least 7 grams of fiber. The fiber and protein combination is great for your digestion, losing weight, and toning muscle when you’re at the gym.
If you feel like a craving for junk food or chocolate is just a few minutes away, grab a fitness bar that offers the same flavors that you enjoy so much.
5. Nuts and Dried Cherries
Nuts have long been known to be very healthy for you. Add cherries to the mix and you have a great source of protein, fruits, and healthy oils. Dried cherry and nut trail mixes can be found at your local grocery store.
Because the cherries are full of antioxidants, eating this mix will greatly improve your health and decrease your chance of becoming ill.
6. Salsa and Wholegrain Chips
Everyone likes to cheat once in a while, but munching a healthy, homemade salsa and wholegrain or sweet potato chips is like cheating and staying healthy at the same time.
Most chips come with a significant amount of MSG, calories, and carbohydrates. Wholegrain and sweet potato chips are great alternatives because both are made with natural ingredients, come with little to no fat and no MSG.
Homemade salsa is also made from natural ingredients with little to no salt.
7. Bhuja and Other Mixed Nuts
Trail mix and nuts are the favorite snack food of millions of people around the world. They often contain a variety of nuts, raisins, other dried fruits, and, in some cases, small pieces of chocolate. Trail mix is very filling and is great for an after-workout snack.
Bhuja is another popular snack mix. What sets Bhuja apart from trail mix are its main ingredients, including peanuts, peas, multi-grain noodles, and sultanas.
This type of snack is perfect for anyone trying to change their eating habits because it is cholesterol-free, is a great source of fiber and protein, and fits into both vegetarian and vegan categories.
Wrap-Up: Eat Healthy and Workout Regularly
Eating healthy and exercising regularly is the key to losing weight and leading a more fulfilling life.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of food items that are great for small snacks, the ingredients of each and their characteristics can help you create a sustainable nutrition plan for the future.
- 7 Crazy Healthy Snack Alternatives - March 13, 2015
