Eating snacks is usually regarded as a bad behavior and eliminated or restricted from the diets. However, snacks can be healthy and good part of the nutritious eating plan and they can contribute to a well-balanced diet.
Just like children, adults should also eat snacks. Healthy snacks help sustain energy until you eat again and they provide extra energy for exercise. Also, eating healthy snacks can prevent overeating by reducing hunger between your meals.
But remember, even though snacks are good for you, their calories count in your total calorie intake for a day. So, try to skip the junk food and choose a healthy, low-calorie snacks.
1. Healthy nuts
Add to ordinary nuts a healthy boost which is sugar-free and also full of natural sweetness from the spices. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl.
Add 4 ounces shelled raw pecan halves, 4 ounces shelled raw walnut halves and 4 ounces raw cashews. Massage all the spices very well and then put it on a baking sheet and bake it for 10 minutes. Once it’s cool store it in an airtight container.
2. Banana oatmeal walnut cookies
These so called guiltless healthy cookies are a very good source or heart-healthy potassium, whole grains, and good fats. Combine 1 cup uncooked quick oats in a bowl, 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed, then fold in a quarter cup crushed walnuts. Put on a baking sheet tablespoon-sized scoops and bake in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes.
3. Chocolate-drizzled fruit kebobs
In order to make this, you should skewer 2 blueberries, 1 strawberry, pineapple, cantaloupe, 1 piece each kiwi, and then drizzle with 1 teaspoon of chocolate syrup for a filling. This fruit dessert also quenches the chocolate craving.
4. Baked sweet potato fries
Even though this is a healthy-kid favorite snack which is rich with vitamin A, there is no reason you can’t also enjoy this snack. First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut 4 sweet potatoes into wedges which are 1 inch wide and place them flesh-side down on a roasting pan.
In the next step brush them with a mixture of 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, and turn them once. At the end take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle with half teaspoon kosher salt.
5. Cinnamon-spiced baked apples
This is a healthy snack which is also quick to make. Core a crisp apple and put the wedges in a bowl which is microwave-safe. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg and a teaspoon of brown sugar, then toss to cover.
Use a microwave-safe plate to cover the bowl and cook on high for 3 to 4 minutes. After the apples cook, Carbonell will sometimes add raisins or a dollop of nut butter. The apple provides 3 grams of filling fiber and it has less than 90 calories, raisins also add more fiber, iron, and vitamin C.
Small snacks are a good choice. Around 100 calories can satisfy you before you go for your next meal. However, this amount may be frustratingly hard to your eyeball. Next time instead of going for already packed snacks in the mall, try these simple and delicious treats, which are healthy and nutritionist-approved.