Following a healthy diet isn’t always easy, especially when those naughty cravings kick in. It isn’t fair to deprive yourself of EVERYTHING that you enjoy, even when you are trying to shed those pounds. Healthy eating is important but luckily there are healthy foods that also taste good, which is perfect for when you feel the cravings hit! You can quit junk food for good by reaching for one of these low-calorie snacks instead. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
1. Greek yogurt
The majority of us crave sweet foods, but by eating some greek yogurt, you can get some good sugar into your body without the guilt that you would have if you chose something unhealthy. This snack should give you an instant energy boost and it tastes good too. The creamy treat is also packed full of protein, which has many benefits including keeping you fuller for longer. Greek yogurt is an ideal option for breakfast and if you want to make it tastier but still healthy, why not add some granola or fruit for an added nutrient boost?
2. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate isn’t all bad, in fact, dark chocolate is actually quite good for you (in moderation of course!) and it can also contribute to a heart-healthy diet. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is packed full of antioxidants, plus it has fewer calories than milk or white chocolate. Studies have shown that it can also lower your risk of heart disease, which is pretty amazing. Don’t overdo it but a couple of squares of dark chocolate when that chocolate craving hits should definitely do it for you.
3. Fresh fruit
We always say that fruit is one of the best snacks for kids, but that also applies to adults. While fruit contains pretty high levels of sugar, it’s the good kind of sugar, and fruit is also very nutritious. Fruit is full of Vitamin C, and fiber which keeps you full and ensures that you go to the toilet on a regular basis. The great thing about fruit is that there is such a wide variety of it, and it can be added to a whole bunch of different low-sodium foods for a delicious and healthy snack. Why not stock up on some new fruits at your next trip to the grocery store?
4. Nut Butter
Nut butter is absolutely delicious and it can make a healthy snack, providing you check that there are no additives. Ensure that the nut butter you go for contains mostly nuts, and perhaps a little bit of salt. You can dip fruit into nut butter or even eat it by itself if you need a little energy boost throughout the day. Just make sure that you keep an eye on how much you consume with this one because it can be easy to get carried away! Crunchy or smooth? Well, that’s completely up to you.
5. Hummus With Veggies
So far we have covered many sweet snacks, but what about if you get a savory craving? Stay away from the potato chips! Hummus is basically blended chickpeas but it is surprisingly delicious. You can dip a range of vegetables into hummus for something tasty that will keep you satisfied for hours on end. You can make hummus at home or buy some more interesting flavors at your local grocery store. Some vegetables that you can include with your hummus includes carrots and celery sticks. This is one of the best high-protein snacks out there and it can also boost your immune system. In addition to this, hummus with veggies is a good source of that important heart-healthy fat.
6. Popcorn
When you think of popcorn, you are probably thinking of a sugary and unhealthy cinema snack but that isn’t the way it has to be! Popcorn is actually the ONLY grain-based snack that is 100% whole grain. Plain popcorn is low calorie, and it has plenty of antioxidants. It also takes a little while to eat so it is perfect for when you are “boredom eating” or eating while watching TV but still want to keep your consumption fairly healthy.
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Super simple but packed full of the things that your body needs and easy to eat on the go are hard-boiled eggs. They are known to keep your eyes sharp, bones strong, and your heart healthy. Eggs are naturally high in protein, which is really important when you are eating healthy. Hard-boiled eggs give energy that releases slowly, keeping you fuller for longer and satisfied til your next meal! It is super easy to make a batch of hard-boiled eggs and keep them chilled for whenever you need them. They are ideal for breakfast or as a pre/post-workout snack.
8. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a healthy snack that is made up of nuts and dried fruits. The best thing about trail mix is that you can make your own and it can satisfy both your salt and sweet cravings that you might be having. Nuts on their own have a great number of nutritional benefits and are some of the best high-protein snacks. Mix your favorite nuts with some raisins/seeds for a healthy snack that you can nibble on whenever you feel like. Trail mix is full of fiber too, which helps your bodies digestion enormously.
Conclusion
The good snacks that have been mentioned in this article should definitely help you live a healthier lifestyle. Swap the junk food and unhealthy things that you are eating for some good snacks, it is slow and steady change that makes the biggest difference over time. Eating this kind of diet should help you lose weight. That is your goal but more importantly, it will make sure you are healthier from the inside out. Getting lots of low-calorie snacks in your home and eating healthier meals too is definitely the way forward!
