8 Easy, Healthy Snacks and Their Benefits
1. Trail mix – All trail mix is NOT created equal. Make it yourself, and you know for sure what health benefits you’re getting! Use a variety of nuts and seeds for vitamins A, C, E, and K, iron, zinc, magnesium and antioxidants. Add dried fruit for more vitamins and antioxidants, as well as calcium and fiber (but watch portion sizes as they can be loaded with sugar). Healthy grains can add fiber and keep you fuller longer. Toss it all with different spices and seasonings and your trail mix will go from boring to gourmet! For a complete low-down on mixing and matching healthy options in custom trail mix concoctions, click the above link!
2. Cracker and Tuna Sandwich – Make sure to use a multigrain cracker – such as a low sodium triscuit or crisp bread. Healthy grains keep you full longer without eating large portions and are full of fiber and minerals. Two big bonuses of tuna? It’s brain food and it’s protein! It also reduces your risk of stroke and some cancers. It can lower cholesterol and triglycerides and it’s good for your heart.
3. Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter and Granola – Portable and easy to make, these “sandwiches” are full of healthy protein, thanks to the nuts. Almond butter is a healthier version of peanut butter, with healthy fats, high fiber content, vitamin E and magnesium and calcium. Granola contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, iron, fiber and calcium. Health benefits include energy boosts, weight loss, lower cholesterol, cognitive ability and anemia prevention.
4. Avocado Toast – This yummy snack is packed with flavor and a little kick! The avocado is a power food – it’s chock full of vitamins (E, K, B, C) and folates. They’ve got a ton of potassium, and are loaded with healthy fat and fiber. They can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Olive oil can prevent heart disease, inflammatory diseases and different types of cancers. It has even been known to counter the effects of aging. Multigrain bread is packed with fiber and complex carbs, which is great for energy. It also contains magnesium and essential fatty acids. All of this can help fight infections, illness and add in tissue reparation, along with helping with metabolism.
5. Kale Chips – If you’re craving something super crunchy and bad for you – AKA potato chips – try these instead! Kale boasts tons of vitamins and minerals – A, C, K, plus iron, copper and potassium. It also has a bunch of protein packed away and is low calorie. It’s been shown to help prevent diabetes, cancer and heart disease. It also aids in digestion, and if that’s not enough, it makes your bones, hair and skin uber healthy!
6. Cucumber Roll-ups with Greek Yogurt – These delicious looking roll-ups are the perfect afternoon snack! Cucumbers have vitamins to spare – K, B, and C – along with potassium and copper. They’re full of antioxidants and also have unique properties that protect against chronic illness. They can reduce your risk of cancer, support heart and digestive health and can help manage stress. They fight inflammation, freshen your breath and protect your brain! Plus, they are amazing to help you stay hydrated. Greek yogurt is full of vitamin B, potassium, calcium and protein. Plus there’s probiotics to aid in digestive health. Turkey is rich in protein, iron, zinc and potassium. It’s a lean meat and low in fat. It can lower cholesterol levels, boost metabolism and strengthen your immune system.
7. Skinny Green Popcorn – You can turn soya beans into a delicious, popcorn-like crunchy snack with some seasonings and baking! Soya beans, AKA edamame, has some key nutritional elements – namely fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals and phytosterols. Edamame aids in digestion and lowers cholesterol levels. It can help prevent certain cancers and diabetes. It also boosts your energy.
8. Fresh Fruit Pops – If you’ve got a sweet tooth and can’t ditch the sugary snacks midday, try these frozen treats! They have only two ingredients – your choice of fresh fruits and coconut water! Fresh fruit – as we know – is full of vitamins (tons! A, E, D, C, K, B!) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc!) and the coconut water has lots of nutrients too, like potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and calcium. Put these together? It’s like a power house. These pops can aid in weight loss. They can help with healthy digestion, lower blood pressure, boost your hydration and give you healthy skin.
Kimberly Mueller is the “me” over at bugaboo, mini, mr & me, a blog that highlights her creative endeavors. She especially likes to share kid crafts, sewing attempts, recipes, upcycled projects, photography and free printable gift tags/cards. When she’s not enjoying being married to her best friend, chasing after the natives (AKA her three kids) and attempting to keep the house in one piece, you can find her with a glue gun in one hand and spray paint in the other. Aside from DIY pursuits, she also enjoys writing, reading, music, singing (mostly in the shower) and the color yellow. Kimberly recently published a craft book entitled Modern Mod Podge. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest,Bloglovin’ and Instagram. Email her at: bugabooblog(at)yahoo.com
More ideas for healthy snacking and cooking:
10 Healthy Snacks 12 Spaghetti Squash Recipes 7 Healthy Vegetable Side Dishes
Kimberly Mueller is the “me” over at bugaboo, mini, mr & me, a blog that highlights her creative endeavors. She especially likes to share kid crafts, sewing attempts, recipes, upcycled projects, photography and free printable gift tags/cards. When she’s not enjoying being married to her best friend, chasing after the natives (AKA her three kids) and attempting to keep the house in one piece, you can find her with a glue gun in one hand and spray paint in the other. Aside from DIY pursuits, she also enjoys writing, reading, music, singing (mostly in the shower) and the color yellow. Kimberly recently published a craft book entitled Modern Mod Podge. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin’ and Instagram.
