Eating 3 meals in a day is recommended as well as having some snacks in between. Snacking is important because it provides us energy and it keeps us on the go until our upcoming meal. But during snacking period, we should also consider the nutritional value and caloric count of the food we eat. We can use the list below as a guide for healthy snacks.
List of healthy snacks:
Oatmeal – rich in fiber that lowers cholesterol levels, helps control weight and normalizes bowel movement. Oatmeal is a healthy snack that is easy to prepare. You can top this off with fruits and nuts, as well as honey or milk to taste.
Cereal – prevents constipation due to its high fiber content. Cereal is packed with protein that is good for building strong muscles.
Yogurt – this delicious treat will satisfy your sweet tooth. It contains probiotics that is good for the stomach because it promotes good digestion. In addition, it has good bacteria that prevent gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea.
Nuts and seeds – walnuts, peanuts, green peas, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, etc. This healthy snack can be eaten on the go. It is easy to pack and carry. Nuts and seeds have high protein content good for body building. It has many antioxidants that is good for detoxification, and it helps eliminate toxins out of the body. Nuts and seeds are filled with vitamins, particularly Vitamin E, which is for clear and spot-free skin.
Bread and grains – toasted wheat bread with fruit jam sounds delicious and it also sounds nutritious. For our healthy snacks we can also enjoy biscuits or crackers with low fat cheese.
Fruits and vegetables – it is no doubt that these food groups will land on the healthy snacks list. Our daily diet should greatly comprise of fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to have 2-4 servings of fruit, while it is 3-5 servings for vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Apart from these benefits, there are many easy ways we can do to prepare dishes or snacks like fruits/vegetables salad or smoothies.
Snacks provide us nutrients and glucose that will keep us energized. When traveling, pack some snacks in your bag like oatmeal bars or nuts, so you will never go hungry until you reach your destination. This is important to keep you alert and hydrated. Always remember to drink lots of fluids as well during your snack time.